Teething
Normally the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes irritable until the age of 3. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but 
avoid teething biscuits-they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.
Why Primary Teeth Are Important
Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth which begins about age 6.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
During your child's first 2 years, it is important to avoid the problem of baby bottle decay. The best way to avoid this devastating problem is to never allow your child to get into the habit of going to sleep with a bottle. (Unless the bottle has only water) Allowing children access to milk (which has sugar) or fruit juices (which have sugar) whenever they want it leads to habit which is not only hard to break, but can leave a child with a mouth full of decayed teeth. Furthermore, a young child may require hospitalization to have numerous teeth repaired. The best policy is to prevent the problem in the first place.
If your child has a hard time getting to sleep, the use of a pacifier is much better than a bottle. As your child gets older, be sure to minimize the intake of sugary liquids (even milk or fruit juices) in between their meal times. Give them all the milk or juice they want at mealtimes, but try to encourage water between meals. Also develop good brushing habits at an early age. Children are incapable of brushing their own teeth until age 5 or 6 and may require assistance from a parent up until 8 or 9. To check for signs of baby bottle decay, examine the teeth, especially on the inside or the tongue side, every two weeks for dull spots (whiter than the tooth surface) or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water and left in an infant's mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child's teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids. If you notice anything suspicious, take your child to the dentist right away.
A Child's First Dental Visit
A child's first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent's lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes or until bleeding stops. If bleeding continues, see a dentist. If you don't have any gauze, a tea bag works well. Have the child avoid chewing directly on the area for 1 or 2 days and provide children's Tylenol or Advil if needed. Most children will return to full normal function within 1 or 2 days after losing a baby tooth.
Orthodontic Problems
When teeth are not properly aligned, one has what is termed a malocclusion. There are many causes for malocclusions and most can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Some malocclusions can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowding or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions. Teeth in malocclusion are more susceptible to wear, fracturing and often decay and periodontal disease than teeth that are properly aligned. It is important for children to be evaluated for orthodontic needs by the age of 7 or 8. People of all ages are candidates for orthodontic treatment.
Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. These deep grooves are the most common site for dental decay in children. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.
Sealants are a preventive service which protect decay susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions where cavities normally begin. Sealant material is applied to the teeth without anesthetic and is a fast easy procedure in most cases. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.
Good Diet and Healthy Teeth
The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses; which promote strong teeth.
Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually cease thumb sucking when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.
Here are some ways to help your child outgrow thumb sucking:
- Don't scold a child when they exhibit thumb sucking behavior; instead, praise them when they don't thumb suck.
- Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety-thumb sucking is a comfort device that helps children cope with stress or discomfort.
- Praise them when they refrain from the habit during difficult periods.
- Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock on their hand at night.