fb pixel

5 Things Parents Need to Know About Baby Teeth

by | Jan 17, 2025 | Kid's Dentistry

5 things parents need to know about baby teeth

Like your baby, baby teeth are small and fragile. And while baby teeth aren’t around for long before they are sold to the tooth fairy, they have several important purposes.

Seeing your baby’s first tooth appear is a milestone and exciting event! As your family dentist Canley Heights, we share 5 things about baby teeth and how to best take care of them.

The Purpose Of Primary Teeth

Known as primary teeth, baby teeth are vital. Your child requires their primary teeth to chew and to learn to speak. They serve another important purpose: to affect the development of your child’s mouth.

Baby teeth tend to stick around until the permanent teeth underneath are ready to emerge. At this point, the roots connecting the baby teeth dissolve, causing the tooth to loosen and fall out.

In summary, baby teeth hold the space for the permanent teeth that will fill their place later. They stop other teeth from drifting into the empty spaces, which prevents poor positioning of the permanent teeth.

Expecting The First Tooth

Babies begin navigating their new world with their mouths at about 3 months old. They produce more saliva at this age, and you will notice their hands in their mouths often.

Parents confuse this with teething, but a baby’s first tooth will generally appear around 6 months old. Of course, this can vary from child to child, with their first teeth appearing earlier or later.

The lower central incisors (lower front teeth) are usually the first to show. Most babies will develop all 20 (or sometimes more) primary teeth by age 3.

Commencing a Dental Hygiene Routine

We often get asked when to start a dental hygiene routine with your child. For many reasons, we recommend commencing this as early on as possible. Not only does this lead to good dental health from a young age, but it also instils great dental hygiene habits for life.

Begin your baby’s dental hygiene routine before their first tooth appears. You can gently wipe your baby’s gums with clean, damp gauze or a soft-bristled finger brush.

This helps prepare your baby for tooth brushing, which should begin when the baby’s first tooth appears.

Delicate baby teeth are more susceptible to cavities. Among young children, tooth decay is the most common chronic illness. Commencing a dental hygiene routine should begin in your baby’s first few months of life.

5 things about baby teeth every parent should know

Beginning Regular Dental Check-Ups

Once your baby’s first tooth shows, consider making their first dental appointment at a trusted children’s dentist. As soon as baby teeth appear, they are at risk of tooth decay.

In your baby’s appointment, your Canley Heights dentist will check that their mouth is healthy and their jaw and teeth are developing as they should be.

If you actively approach oral health, your child will have a healthy mouth. Getting your child comfortable in the dentist’s chair and having them form a trusting relationship with your local dentist is a great step towards achieving this.

Losing Baby Teeth

Around age six, your child will start to lose their baby teeth. The loss of primary teeth and consequent replacement with their permanent counterparts continues until about 12.

Usually, the central incisors (lower and upper front teeth) are the first to fall out. The lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars follow these.

If your child loses a tooth before its time, i.e., before the permanent tooth erupts, space needs to be saved.

Your dentist can do this by inserting a ‘space maintainer’ to replace the baby tooth. This holds the space until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.

Your Friendly Children’s Dentist in Canley Heights

Baby teeth are just as important to little ones as adult teeth are to adults. The fact that they aren’t permanent means little in how much gentle care they need to stay healthy and strong.

Early adoption of proper dental hygiene practices makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums easier throughout one’s life.

At Canley Heights Dental Care, we adore children! We’re here to support you and your child through all those exciting dental milestones. We are committed to ensuring that your child has the best opportunity for a life of optimal dental health. Contact us today!

Our friendly team would love to look after your child’s dental health. Book an appointment today!

Child Dental Benefits Schedule in Canley Heights

Bulk Bill for eligible children

To find out more about your kid’s baby teeth, please call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your appointment online.

You can also visit us at 1/229 Canley Vale Rd in Canley Heights.

child dental benefits schedule banner home canley heights

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This