These charts show the names of your child’s baby (primary) teeth as each tooth erupts and is lost. Keep in mind that not all children get the same teeth at the same times. Your child’s teeth may erupt or fall out earlier or later than shown here.
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth to come in. They also help your child chew and speak normally. Teething pain occurs when teeth begin to erupt, causing sore gums. Using a chilled teething ring (for obvious reasons, don’t dip it in honey or sugar) or rubbing your child’s gums with a clean wet finger may help. For babies under age 2, try to avoid using any over-the-counter products with benzocaine such as Anbesol, Orajel or Baby Orajel. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that has caused serious reactions in a small number of children.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay occurs when you put your baby to bed with a bottle containing milk (which has lactose), fruit juice or any other sweetened liquids. Babies have a higher risk for tooth decay if their teeth are in contact with sugary liquids for a long period of time.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and release acids which eat away the enamel and cause cavities.
Cleaning your baby’s teeth with a damp washcloth or clean damp gauze after each feeding will remove the plaque and food particles. Brush the teeth gently with a child-size toothbrush and water. If your child is under the age of 3, use fluoride-free toothpaste in case they swallow the toothpaste. Between ages 3-6, brush their teeth using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and be sure they spit out the toothpaste. Start flossing your child’s teeth when they have two teeth that touch.
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex that makes babies feel safe. Sucking habits usually stop between ages two and four. Pacifiers shouldn’t be used past age four as prolonged sucking habits can cause crooked teeth and interfere with the proper growth of the mouth. Here are some tips to help your child stop thumb sucking: Try not to scold your child for sucking but praise or reward your child when he or she avoids sucking.
Remember that children suck their thumbs when seeking comfort or feeling insecure so try to focus on what is making your child anxious.
Place a bandage or sock over your child’s hand at night to remind him or her not to suck. Your child’s dentist or pediatrician can recommend using a mouth appliance or coating the thumb with a bitter tasting liquid to discourage the thumb sucking.
Ideally, your child’s first dental visit should be by age one. It’s best to start with a well baby dental visit before any dental problems or emergencies occur. The first visit will allow the dentist to check your child’s health history, evaluate your child’s growth and development, oral hygiene, cavities, fluoride usage, and clean the teeth. The dentist can answer any questions you may have about your child’s risk for tooth decay, diet, thumb sucking etc… and determine how often your child needs to be seen.
