Baby teeth
Baby teeth
When will my baby get its first teeth?
Normally the first teeth come through around the sixth month, but there can easily be a difference of 6 months from child to child. The order in which the baby teeth are coming through is also very different from child to child.
The last baby teeth appear around the age of 2.5 years (+/-6 months). The total dentition contains 20 teeth.
How to take care of them? When should I brush my teeth? Which toothpaste?
As soon as we see a tooth appear in the mouth, it is best to start brushing it. It is best to brush for 2 minutes twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.
We use an adapted brush and toothpaste adapted to the age of the child:
For the little ones, use a super soft little toothbrush and toothpaste for toddlers.
It is recommended to use children's toothpaste as long as your child has a tendency to swallow the toothpaste. Children's toothpastes contain a reduced fluorine content so that there is no harm in swallowing the toothpaste.
It is important to know that a child is only able to brush his teeth properly from the age of ten, until then it is best to continue brushing his/her teeth yourself as a parent.
What if my child puts the thumb in the mouth, what about a pacifier?
The thumb in the mouth can lead to a deformation of the palate and changes in the position of the teeth. A pacifier can also cause these changes, but these changes are not permanent if no more thumbing or if the pacifier is no longer used after the fourth year of life. Hence our preference for a pacifier as we can stop using it more easily before the age of 4.
What is the importance of healthy milk teeth?
Healthy milk teeth provide a healthy environment for permanent teeth that can start to come through from the age of 5. The baby teeth also have an important role in keeping space for the permanent teeth. This way you avoid a cause of serious misalignment of the permanent teeth.
From what age do I take my child to the dentist?
The first acquaintance with the dentist preferably takes place in a calm atmosphere, where the child can get used to the dentist without the need for any treatments. Feel free to take your child to the dentist from the age of 3. From the age of 5, a six-monthly check-up may be indicated because baby teeth are less robust than permanent teeth and because sometimes a lot changes very quickly in your child's mouth during the different growth phases. Your dentist will advise you on this.