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The Primary (Baby) Teeth
 A child's first teeth
are very important to their health. We all know that teeth are required to chew
food, but they have other functions. The upper teeth and palate contribute to
making certain sounds during speech. The primary teeth also maintain space for
the permanent teeth, developing underneath them in the jaws. Severely decayed
teeth can cause pain and infection.
Here are some commonly asked questions about children's teeth
When should I take my child to see the dentist?
Ideally, your child's first dental visit should be before they have any dental
problems. If you take your child to the dentist at an early age, your dentist
can help you prevent any problems. Dr. Gilmore will check for decay and other
problems, teach you how to clean your child's teeth daily and identify your
child's fluoride needs. By starting dental visits early, you'll help your child
build a lifetime of good dental habits.
Normally by age three your child will be old enough to understand what we are
doing. It is important that the visit not be a fearful one. It helpful to bring
your child with you when you come in for your preventive care, to
meet us and see what we do. We will put them in the chair and explain what we
do.
Do I need to clean my baby's mouth if there are
no teeth yet?
 Yes.
Begin cleaning the baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. After
every feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove
plaque. This establishes at an early age the importance of oral hygiene and the
feel of having clean teeth and gums.
Can babies get cavities?
Yes. As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur. One serious form of
decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition can occur
when an infant is allowed to nurse continuously from a bottle of milk, formula,
sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night. If these liquids pool around
the child's teeth during sleep, the teeth will be attacked by acids for long
periods of time, and serious decay can result. If you must give your baby a
bottle as a comforter at bedtime, make sure it contains only water. And never
dip a pacifier into sugar or honey.
Is teething painful?
Yes. When babies are teething, usually between the ages of four months and 2½
years, they often have sore and tender gums. The pain usually can be soothed by
gently rubbing the baby's gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet
gauze. A clean teething ring for the baby to chew on also may be helpful.
Teething does not cause a fever. If your child has an elevated temperature, it
needs to be addressed as a separate medical concern. If your baby continues to
be cranky and uncomfortable after you attempt to ease its teething pain, call
your physician.
When should thumb sucking stop?
Children should have ceased thumb sucking by the time the permanent front teeth
are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four
years. Sucking often gradually lessens during this period as children spend more
of their waking hours exploring their surroundings. Peer pressure causes many
school-aged children to stop. Some studies show that thumb sucking behavior is
viewed negatively by classmates. Children with these behaviors may have more
problems making friends.
Ask Dr. Gilmore for suggestions on how thumb sucking can be discouraged.
Can a child lose a primary tooth too early?
 Sometimes
a primary tooth is lost before the permanent tooth beneath it is ready to erupt.
If the primary teeth are lost too early, nearby teeth can tip or move into the
vacant space. When the permanent teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there
may not be enough room. As a result, teeth may erupt out of their proper
positions, leading to crocked teeth and a poor bite. To avoid such future problems, we may
recommend using a space maintainer to reserve space for the permanent teeth.
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