As your baby’s teeth emerge, it’s time to start thinking about caring for them. Baby teeth, or primary teeth, play crucial roles in your child’s development, from helping them speak clearly and chew properly to guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, our pediatric dentists understand caring for these first teeth can feel overwhelming at first, but establishing good dental habits early with the help of our caring professionals sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Jessica Barzideh, and board-eligible pediatric dentist, Dr. Sunaina, provide specialized care tailored specifically to children’s unique dental needs. Our state-of-the-art practice combines advanced technology with a child-friendly approach that makes dental visits something kids actually look forward to. We take the time to build trust, explain procedures in age-appropriate ways, and create positive experiences that help you and your child feel comfortable and confident.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, caring for them is still crucial. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to significant problems for your child, as they play an important role in their development in the following ways:
- Preserve space for permanent teeth to grow in properly
- Help your child develop clear speech patterns
- Allow proper chewing for good nutrition
- Contribute to facial development and appearance
- Affect your child’s self-confidence when interacting with others
Tooth decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and even damage to developing permanent teeth beneath them. Therefore, dental care should begin before your baby’s teeth emerge. After feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth to remove bacteria and get them accustomed to having their mouth cleaned.
Once their first tooth appears (typically between four and seven months), you can introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for infants. Use only a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until age three, when you can increase to a pea-sized amount.
Establishing an Oral Hygiene Routine for Your Child
Healthy baby teeth are essential for healthy adult teeth, so establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine can help set your child up for optimal oral health for years to come. The following comprehensive approach helps protect your child’s oral health and can make caring for their teeth fun:
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day — after breakfast and before bedtime — using a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush.
- Help your child brush until they have the manual dexterity to do it effectively themselves (usually around age seven or eight).
- Introduce flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.
- Consider using floss picks or floss holders, which can be easier to manage with small mouths.
- Replace toothbrushes every three to four months or sooner if bristles become frayed.
- Use positive reinforcement — songs, rewards charts, or brushing apps — to make oral hygiene fun.
Children often learn by example, so let them watch you practicing good oral hygiene habits. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we can demonstrate proper brushing techniques specific to your child’s developmental stage and dental needs, so they can learn the best ways to keep their teeth strong and healthy.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we make these early visits fun and stress-free, focusing on the following:
- Examining your child’s oral development
- Demonstrating proper cleaning techniques
- Discussing nutrition and habits that affect dental health
- Addressing any concerns about teething, pacifier use, or thumb-sucking
- Creating a positive association with dental visits
Our trusted, compassionate team takes a thoughtful approach to first visits. We’ve designed our office environment with children in mind, from the colorful waiting room with engaging activities to our child-sized dental chairs. We purposely keep first visits short and positive, focusing on building trust rather than performing extensive treatments. This helps establish a foundation of comfort with dental care that will serve your child throughout life.
How to Prevent Baby Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is a common issue we see in young children. This occurs when babies fall asleep with bottles containing milk, formula, or juice. The sugars in these liquids pool around the teeth during sleep, leading to decay. The following tips can help prevent this issue and reduce your baby’s risk of future issues:
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice.
- Clean your baby’s gums and teeth after each feeding.
- Begin teaching your child to drink from a cup around their first birthday.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
- Avoid sharing utensils with your baby, as cavity-causing bacteria can transfer from your mouth.
If you have questions about fluoride, pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or teething remedies, our knowledgeable Little Roots Pediatric Dental team is always available to provide informed guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Partner With Little Roots Pediatric Dental for Your Child’s Dental Health
The care you provide for your child’s baby teeth lays the groundwork for their future dental health and overall well-being. At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we believe in working together with Nassau County parents to create positive dental experiences and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Dr. Jessica Barzideh, board-certified pediatric dentist, and Dr. Sunaina, board-eligible pediatric dentist, bring specialized training and a gentle approach to caring for your child’s dental needs. We’d love to welcome your family to our practice. Contact our caring team at (516) 738-4434 or fill out our contact form to schedule your child’s first visit.
