Your Child’s Teeth: Helpful tips for parents

Why are baby teeth so important?

They help your child speak and chew normally. They also help hold spaces for the subsequent adult teeth.

When should they have all of their baby teeth?

Most children will have all of their baby teeth by the age of three

Should I be worried about the spacing in my child’s teeth?

Spaces between baby teeth are normal.

How much toothpaste should my child use?

Use a soft bristled, child sized toothbrush and use a grain of rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

When should I begin flossing my child’s teeth?

As soon as they have two teeth that touch.

Teething tips:

• Gently rub your child’s gums with a clean wet piece of gauze, your finger, or a small cool spoon.
• Use a clean, chilled teeth ring and don’t dip in sugar or other foods. This can cause tooth decay.
• Talk to you pediatrician or dentist if they are still uncomfortable
• Do not use topical gels or creams with anesthetics (Orajel or Baby Orajel) to help with sore gums in young kids. In a small number of children they have caused serious reactions.

Prevent Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth

• Clean their teeth two times per day, every day
• If they use a pacifier, do not dip in sugar or honey.
• Do not put pacifiers or spoons in your mouth to clean them before giving them to your children. Decay causing bacteria can be passed to your child.
• Do not let them sip sugary drinks regularly. Limit these to mealtimes.
• Do not put infants to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, or any liquids with sugar.
• Avoid sugary snacks and try healthy snacks.