TLC for tiny teeth

The pearly whites – unlike many other parts of the human body – cannot repair themselves. Children who have good brushing behaviour when they are young establish healthy habits for life and get to keep their teeth forever.

Did you know that babies are born with all their teeth? They are just hidden in the gums, so you can’t see them.

“Teeth erupt into the mouth on average in the sixth month of childhood. Sometimes the teeth appear earlier and sometimes a little later. In my experience, the later the teeth erupt the better,” explains specialist prosthodontist Dr

Gerald Kaplan from Johannesburg.

By the age of 4, the permanent tooth buds are located below the baby teeth and are starting to form. As they erupt,theyre move the roots of the baby teeth.

SOLID HABITS START EARLY

Even though baby teeth will not last forever, they are not unimportant. On the contrary. “These first teeth are necessary for a child to chew and speak. Baby teeth also save space for the child’s future permanent teeth,” says Dr Imraan Hoosen, a paediatric dentist from Diepkloof, Gauteng. “Parents are responsible for the oral health of their children until the age of 8 or 9 years. Before this time, children and babies do not possess the necessary motor skills and dexterity to maintain an adequate level of oral hygiene.”

Even before teeth are visible, keep Baby’s mouth clean.

“Use a damp cloth or gauze to remove any debris, and keep the gums clean. The tongue needs to be cleaned as well,” Dr Hoosen says.

BRUSHING

Once the first tooth is visible, introduce a soft bristled baby brush and tiny bit of toothpaste into the regime. Tooth brushing should be done in the morning after breakfast and before going to sleep. “Brushing can be made easier if Baby lies with their head on your lap. Toddlers can stand in front of you, facing forward. By tilting their heads upward, you are able to have better access, and visibility is also improved,” says Dirna Grobbelaar, an oral hygienist from Durbanville and mother of three.

Having the right tools on hand will make things easier. An age-appropriate toothbrush (with soft bristles, small head and easy grip handle) and paediatric toothpaste are a must.

VISITING THE DENTIST

Make your baby’s first dentist appointment within six months of his first tooth’s arrival, or by the time he turns 1 year. (Do not leave the first visit for later than 3 years though.) Teeth that ache or that are discoloured call for an urgent appointment. Look for a child-friendly dentist that will make the experience a positive one. Ask other parents or your clinic sister if they can recommend a good kid-friendly dentist.

DOING IT RIGHT

Dirna explains how you can teach your tot to brush his teeth properly (by following your example).

Let your child look in the mirror in order to see what you are doing. Brush your teeth in small circular motions touching the gums for two minutes in total.

The first 30 seconds: start in the back of the mouth, on the outside of the upper teeth, and work your way all around to the other side. The next 30 seconds: repeat on the inside of the upper teeth, starting at the far back and moving across.

The next 30 seconds: repeat on the lower jaw, spending the time on the front section. The final 30 seconds: finally do the back of the lower jaw.