Dr. Robert Rothenberg, D.D.S. Baby Teeth So your baby has teeth? How exciting! As soon as the first teeth erupt at about six months, proper cleaning of the teeth must begin. Many people are not aware of the importance of primary or baby teeth. Primary teeth hold the place for permanent teeth, while allowing the child to function until these developments take place. Cooperation between parents and their family dentist will ensure healthy teeth for a lifetime. To prevent plaque from accumulating a few easy steps are required. The first step in caring for primary teeth is to simply wipe the teeth with a wet gauze pad after feeding and before putting the baby to bed. Specially designed toothbrushes are available for toddlers. Toddlers should be encouraged to brush their own teeth at least twice a day, although for effective plaque control an adult must thoroughly brush the primary teeth before bedtime. At about the age of three your child should be seen by a dentist. The most important aspect of this visit is to make your child feel comfortable in a dental setting. A child who is comfortable in a dental office and begins regular checkups (visits regularly for six month checkups) will enjoy a lifetime of dental health. Do you know how teeth develop?All 20 primary (baby) teeth begin forming in the jaw bones before a baby is born. The two lower front teeth are the first to come in, followed by the two upper front teeth.
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Usual order and approximate times of appearance
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