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Baby Care |
Baby Care (Home) > Baby Care > Dental Care Infant Teething and Dental CareIntroductionDental hygiene begins as soon as your child consumes food products of any kind. In the early stages of development, children experience the teething process. Parents should think of creative ways to ease this pain and maintain a commitment to their child's life-long dental care. Dental HealthParents must establish beneficial dental hygiene practices with their children as early as possible. Dental care is an invaluable preventative care measure that will lead to years of positive dental health. Parental CarePrior to the first year of age, parents assume sole responsibility for infant dental hygiene. Parents should wipe a soft, damp washcloth over an infant's gums after feeding their child. This reduces levels of oral bacteria that lead to infection. As teeth emerge, parents may choose to use an infant toothbrush. Parents should only brush with water, as toothpaste may be toxic to a young child. Children's Dental CareThe American Dental Association recommends that children receive formal care after the first birthday. By age one, most youth display six to eight teeth. At that point, dental visits educate parents and children on appropriate dental hygiene practices. When two teeth begin to touch, the dentist will introduce flossing as a vital element of quality dental care. Infant TeethAlthough some children are born with a tooth or numerous teeth showing, most infant teeth do not emerge from the gum line prior to 4-15 months. By a child's first birthday, parents should see up to six teeth. These should be incisors. All teeth should appear by two years of age. TeethingTeething is the process by which teeth become visible. Children may mimic teething actions several months prior to tooth emergence. Teething may seem as hard on the parent as it is on the child because when children teethe, they note a sense of discomfort. Teething discomfort varies among children. Some infants experience little pain while other babies demonstrate periods of irritability. Irritation and pain may cause your infant to cry a lot. However, while teething may cause discomfort, it does not cause extreme pain, fever, diarrhea or episodic afflictions. If these conditions are noted for an extended period, contact your doctor immediately. Easing DiscomfortWhen your child teethes, you may notice increased drool and chewing motions. To ease discomfort, some infants enjoy sucking on a pacifier. An alternate way to soothe pain is to have a child suck on a frozen plastic-wrapped Popsicle. The cold sensation will temporarily numb the pain, infants will have an object to chew on, and there is virtually no mess because the contents of the container are sealed in plastic. If you choose this method, do so cautiously. Do not leave your infant unattended. Levels of Dental CareAt two years of age, you should introduce your child to self-maintenance. Have your child imitate your brushing motions. Youth may use small amounts of toothpaste and should brush their teeth after each meal. Tooth DevelopmentUsually, teeth will not develop cavities until three or more years of age. However, if you observe areas of concern, do make a dental appointment. After 3 years of age, visit the dentist twice a year for an examination of tooth surfaces and structures. Children will gain permanent teeth after 5 years of age. After the wisdom teeth emerge in the late teens, there will be 32 permanent teeth. SummaryDental care is a lifetime commitment that begins at birth. Parents should teach their children good dental hygiene habits as early as possible. After six months of age, when the teething process commences, children should receive formal checkups from a dentist. Parents should consult with med ical professionals if problems emerge between medical visits.
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