The full set of baby teeth will usually be in place before a child reaches the age of six years. Even though these teeth will eventually fall out, caring for them properly is absolutely essential.
Healthy baby teeth help your child chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They also act as important placeholders for the adult teeth that will come later. If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay, the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space, leading to crowding or misalignment when the permanent teeth erupt.
Good oral care habits should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. Gently clean your baby’s teeth twice a day with a soft brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for under 3 years, and a pea-sized amount from 3–6 years, unless otherwise advised by your dentist). Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, and keep sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum.
Regular dental check-ups from an early age allow your dentist to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and to spot any problems before they become serious. Your dental team can also give you tailored advice on brushing, diet, and fluoride use.
Key takeaways:
- Help your child learn healthy oral care habits from the start by brushing twice daily and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
- Remember that baby teeth are vital placeholders for adult teeth and play a key role in guiding them into the correct position.
- By protecting baby teeth from decay and damage, you are helping to ensure your child enjoys a healthy, confident smile for life.