Oral hygiene Baby

The first baby teeth have emerged? No need to wait to worry about your child's teeth. Here's how to wash their baby teeth and teach him to have impeccable oral hygiene.

Teething baby

Your baby's teeth began to form during pregnancy but usually shows its first baby tooth, an incisor, between 6 and 12 months. On average, a 1 year old baby has 4 teeth . It will then turn to the upper incisors (about 10 months down, 12 months and up), then the lateral incisors (between 7 and 16 months) and first molars (between 12 and 18 months). Finally, the canines (between 18 months and 2 years) and second molars (between 24 and 36 months) will complete the teething baby.

To 3 years, a small child has his 20 baby teeth. And they begin to fall between 5 and 8 years to give way to a permanent dentition, which ends with the appearance of wisdom teeth (third molar) between 17 and 25.

To learn more about teething, you can see our factsheet on the subject: teething .

Fluoride supplements

This is not because of the baby teeth they should be ignored. 

The pediatrician may prescribe fluoride but no longer recommended for routine. This mineral, given in the form of drops or tablets, protects tooth enamel, which limits the risk of caries in primary teeth and strengthens tooth enamel formation.

Up to 2 years, pediatricians often prescribe a dose of 0.25 mg or 4 drops of fluoride every day.Between 2 and 4 years, double the dose: 2 tablets of 0, 25 mg or 8 drops per day (target of 0.05 mg of fluoride per kilogram per day).

Eating

However, fluorine is not a shield to decay! Good oral hygiene also involves food . Because sugar promotes the onset of caries.

- Do not add sugar to the bottle of water and do not give your baby fruit juice throughout the day.When baby is thirsty, give him water pure;
- Do not leave the bottle of milk in bed: sugar and acidity of the milk are harmful plaque;
- Do not also enjoy a bottle with the nipple: Your mouth contains bacteria! Gold caries are an infectious disease that is spread by saliva.

First brushing teeth: our advice

- The tooth brushing is recommended from 12 to 18 months . Set an example for your baby!Brush your teeth at the same time as him. Although at first his "brush" will not be very effective, your child will take with you in the habit of brushing teeth. Before that age you can clean his teeth with a simple first wet compresses;

- 3 years before, do not use toothpaste as your child swallows and became disgusted with the habit. You can put a little toothpaste on the brush when your child will be able to spit out the water;

- Ideally, brushing after every meal is needed . But two brushings - morning and evening - are a good start! Try to turn brushing teeth at night in a ritual routine and essential for your little one;

- Use a baby toothbrush very flexible so as not to irritate the gums ;

- Change your toothbrush every 3 months;

- Brushing teeth can be fun: your young child can be "fun" with an electric toothbrush;

- Help your child to brush their teeth gently, the gum to the tooth, not forgetting the back of the mouth and also by rubbing the inside of the teeth.

First visit to the dentist

The first consultation is mainly used to make introductions and to familiarize the baby with a dentist. You can make an appointment for your baby from her 2 years .

Then, schedule a check-up every year , or more if you notice any abnormalities in the mouths of your young child as cavities or teeth that grow crooked.

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