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Baby Teeth

The first teeth usually begin to erupt at around six months of age. This is also when dental care should begin, as the health of the primary teeth plays an important role in the health of the permanent teeth that follow. Newly erupted teeth can be gently wiped with a damp cotton pad or gauze. Special rubber finger toothbrushes for babies are also available.

Eruption of the First Molars

The first molars usually begin to erupt at around one year of age. This is the time to start using a conventional toothbrush, which should be replaced at least every two months in children. Brush your child’s teeth every morning and evening using a special children’s toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is sufficient.

Learning to Brush Independently

Between the ages of 2 and 3, a child can usually start brushing their teeth independently. However, their brushing should still be supervised, and the teeth should be brushed again by a parent afterwards to ensure they are thoroughly clean. Children generally master the correct brushing technique between the ages of 6 and 8.

Interdental spaces should be cleaned as soon as the teeth begin to touch each other. Remember to set a good example – maintain proper oral hygiene yourself and teach your child how to care for their teeth correctly.

Healthy Eating Habits

Proper nutrition is also an important part of good oral hygiene. Excessive consumption of simple sugars can damage children’s teeth. Breast milk is also mildly sweet, so once the first teeth have erupted, try to limit night-time breastfeeding and avoid allowing your child to fall asleep at the breast. This can contribute to tooth decay, particularly of the front teeth.

Avoid sweets that remain on the tooth surfaces for a long time, such as sweets, lollipops, caramels and chocolate, as well as sweetened drinks. Plain water or unsweetened tea is ideal. If your child has sweets, it is best to give them after a main meal. The child should then rinse their mouth with water.

Never dip a dummy in sugar or honey. Once the first molars have erupted, your child is ready for foods that need to be chewed.

Dummies are often blamed for causing crooked teeth. However, this occurs in only a small proportion of cases.

Tooth Development Is Also Influenced by the Sucking Technique

Poor sucking technique can negatively affect the development of the teeth. A baby bottle should be offered in a way that encourages the child to make the same movements with their mouth as during breastfeeding, including moving and engaging the lower jaw.

From around six months of age, you can teach your child to drink from a cup with a spout and a valve that prevents the liquid from flowing out freely and encourages the child to suck while drinking.

Sucking helps strengthen the muscles of the lips and face. These strengthened muscles then help hold the teeth in position and prevent them from being pushed forwards. The opposite can occur if a child breathes through their mouth for prolonged periods, for example as a result of chronic or persistent allergic rhinitis.

First Dental Visit with the First Teeth

Take your child to the dentist as soon as their first teeth have erupted. This helps them become familiar with the dental environment and reduces the likelihood of them developing fear of the dentist later on. The dentist can advise you on proper oral hygiene and examine your child’s teeth without using instruments.

Preventive dental check-ups should take place twice a year. Do not wait until your child has a dental problem before arranging their first visit. A painful procedure is not a good foundation for positive experiences during future dental visits.