Holiday Season is here, and sweet treats seem to be everywhere! These sugary delights are best in enjoyed in moderation, and it is important to not lose sight of this, but let’s take a separate bite and focus instead on those little teeth that will be digging into all of this. We will start at the beginning with tooth eruption and then share some simple ways to keep kids’ teeth healthy every day, as well as during this temporary surge of cookies and pies.
A baby’s first tooth can be an exciting milestone! Babies will drool, have increased saliva, and put their hands in their mouth as early as 3 months of age, but that does not necessarily mean teeth are coming. Actual teething typically begins anytime from around 6 months to one year. Babies can sometimes be uncomfortable during this process, and the gums may be swollen where the teeth are pushing through. A baby’s body temperature may slightly rise when teething; however, according to a 2016 study in Pediatrics, fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) is not associated with teething. It is common for infants and toddlers to have their first exposures to common childhood viruses at this age, as they head out into the world, so a fever can actually be a sign of an illness or infection. For this reason, it is important to call your child’s pediatrician if they have fever, as it is unlikely to be related to teething and may warrant further evaluation.
For teething discomfort, parents can try using a cold washcloth or a solid teething toy that was placed in the freezer. For severe discomfort, especially if it interferes with sleep, ask your pediatrician about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for your child’s age and weight. We recommend avoiding over the counter teething tablets, since many are known to have dangerous and toxic components. We also advise against amber teething necklaces which are a choking and strangulation hazard.
Once your child has their first tooth, the brushing fun can begin! Start with using a small smear (size of a grain of rice) of fluorinated toothpaste on a baby tooth brush twice a day. Although special children’s toothpaste can help incentivize your child to brush, buying it is not necessary. As long as it has fluoride, they can use the same brand the rest of the family uses. After your child turns 3, and they are able to rinse and spit, you can start using a pea-sized amount when brushing. Remember to supervise and assist your child’s brushing techniques until they are able to do it independently (around age 6 or 7). In fact, have fun encouraging them by brushing together and making all those bubbles!
It’s never too early to take steps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Tooth decay develops when teeth and gums are exposed to food or drink, other than water, for prolonged periods or frequently throughout the day. Common examples of this are taking a bottle of milk or juice to bed or walking around all day with a sippy cup filled with the same. This can leave behind sugars which the bacteria in the mouth then change to acid. This acid then eats away the outer part of the teeth, allowing for the development of decay. To avoid this, milk, or any other sugar-containing drink, should be served only with meals and not offered throughout the day, at nap time or at bedtime.
Another important step for prevention is limiting the amount of sugary snacks that your child can choose. Instead of cookies and candy, offer fresh fruit. Also, be careful with sticky, small treats like raisins and gummy fruit snacks (or gummy vitamins) that can get stuck in teeth.
Scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist should happen sometime around the child’s first birthday. They will be checked for cavities and will also get used to the routine of a dentist visit. After that, they should be seen every 6 months for routine check-ups.
Cavities are one of the most common chronic medical problems, rising above even allergies and asthma. Establishing good dental care habits early will help to keep teeth healthy and strong and will surely keep your child smiling brightly.
