Caring for baby teeth in children or How to ensure a beautiful smile for your little ones

After weeks of watching your baby drool and fussing, you finally see the first tooth growing through the gums. It's the beginning of an era during which your baby will gradually grow baby teeth over the next few years. For you, the parent, this means that you have an added responsibility: caring for your baby's baby teeth. This is important not only for the health of the current teeth, but also for the future development of the permanent teeth. How to do it? Come find out with us.

‍

Which teeth are milk teeth?

The first set of teeth that a child grows is referred to as baby teeth. This includes incisors, canines and molars. They are smaller and whiter than the permanent teeth and their main purpose is to prepare the mouth for the growth of the permanent teeth and to help with chewing and speaking. In total, a child has 20 baby teeth, which should be complete by the age of three.

‍

How milk teeth grow or How teeth grow in children

When the first teeth begin to grow, it can be a challenging time for both parent and child. It is important to remember that proper care from the first tooth can prevent many health problems in the future and ensure healthy oral development.

The first teeth usually appear around six months of age and most often they are the lower incisors. The teeth then continue to grow in a certain order, which is similar in most children: Upper incisors follow , then first molars, canines, and finally second molars. However, each child is unique and tooth growth can occur at different rates. It is important to monitor whether the teeth are growing symmetrically and whether there are any problems.

Note: Tooth growth is often accompanied by irritability, increased salivation and the need to bite hard objects. Some children may also have a fever or diarrhea.

‍

First teeth and their care

Proper care of the baby's milk teeth begins even before the baby's first tooth appears. Every day, swipe the gums with a clean, damp washcloth (or a baby toothbrush) to remove harmful bacteria.

When your child starts teething, follow this advice:

• The first toothbrush for children should be small and soft so as not to irritate the sensitive gums of the child. You can either use a single-bristle toothbrush or special brushes designed for the youngest children that are designed to be comfortable and safe.
• In addition to the toothbrush, a suitable children's toothpaste is also important. Choose a toothpaste with no (or very low) fluoride content, as young children tend to swallow the toothpaste. In addition, increased fluoride content during this period can have an adverse effect on the development of the enamel of the second teeth. As the child grows, it is advisable to switch to a low-fluoride children's toothpaste to help protect the teeth from decay.
• It is important to start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. The child should get used to regular oral hygiene from a young age.
• Use only a thin layer of toothpaste for infants and toddlers up to 3 years of age, and a pea-sized amount for children from 3 to 6 years of age.
• Gradually start brushing your child's teeth more thoroughly and cover all surfaces of the teeth. Do this at least twice a day: just before bedtime and at another time that fits your daily routine, ideally in the morning.
• Not all children like brushing their teeth, so you may have to get creative. Make it a game or brush your own teeth at the same time and then help your child finish his.
• The easiest way to brush a child's teeth is as follows: sit down, put the child on his back so that his head is in your crotch. If necessary (e.g. because he is rebellious), use your feet to "sit" his hands.
• Brush the teeth with small rings to cover all surfaces and encourage the child to spit out the paste afterwards. 
• Check regularly that the child is getting the correct amount of toothpaste and that he or she is not eating or licking the toothpaste. 
• Help your child to brush his teeth until you are sure he can do it on his own. This is usually until at least seven years of age.

Electric toothbrush for kids vs. manual toothbrush for kids

An electric toothbrush can be attractive and motivating for some children to brush their teeth. These toothbrushes often come with different themes and features that children enjoy.

However, a manual toothbrush is also undoubtedly effective. It is important that the child has the correct brushing technique and that oral hygiene is regular.

Interdental toothbrushes for children and single-bristle toothbrush for children

Interdental brushes are suitable for older children who have sufficiently large interdental spaces. They help to clean places where a regular toothbrush cannot reach.

The single-strand toothbrush is useful for thorough cleaning of individual teeth and hard-to-reach areas. It is ideal for children who have fixed braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Children's mouthwash: When and how to use it

Mouthwash for children is an optional addition to regular brushing. It helps remove bacteria and freshens breath. It is important to choose mouthwashes suitable for children that do not contain alcohol and have a gentle formula.

Children's braces

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, you can't fool genetics and injuries are often unavoidable. As a result, teeth can often grow crooked. With invisible braces for kids, however, you'll sort out teeth straightening quickly and comfortably (or more quickly and comfortably than with traditional fixed braces). 

‍

Milk teeth: falling out

The age at which milk teeth fall out is around six to seven years. This process continues until the age of twelve to thirteen, when all the baby teeth should be replaced with permanent ones.

How does the loss of milk teeth occur?

Milk tooth loss is a natural process where the permanent teeth press on the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to loosen. This process can take several weeks to months.

Milk teeth in adulthood: what to do if they do not fall out?

Although it doesn't happen that often, in some cases, milk teeth may not fall out even in adulthood. There can be several reasons for this, such as the absence of a permanent tooth. It is important to consult your dentist about this problem, who will suggest a suitable solution.

‍

Problems with milk teeth

The most common mistake, which mainly results in decayed front teeth in young children, is putting the baby to sleep with a bottle. Sugars from juice, formula or milk that remain on the child's teeth for several hours can erode tooth enamel. In this case, the front teeth can become stained, stains and pits can form. Cavities may form and in severe cases, decayed teeth may need to be extracted. The front milk teeth are susceptible to tooth decay because they are often exposed to sugars.

Generally, however, the main cause of decayed teeth in children is poor oral hygiene and excessive consumption of sweets, or a genetic defect. Prevention includes regular brushing, limiting sugary foods and drinks and regular visits to the dentist.

Black and rotten teeth in children

Black teeth in children can be caused by several factors, including tooth decay, tooth injury or congenital defects. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to find out the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Rotten teeth in children are the result of poor oral hygiene and frequent consumption of sugars. Prevention includes regular brushing, using fluoride toothpaste, regular dental check-ups and limiting sugar in the child's diet.

How to limit sugar in your child's diet

These 5 tips will help you reduce the amount of sugar in your child's diet and prevent tooth decay:

• Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks. The best drinks for young children are plain water and milk or herbal unsweetened tea.
• It is okay to use bottles for skimmed breast milk, artificial milk or cooled boiled water. However, using them for juice or sugary drinks can increase tooth decay.
• When your child starts eating solid foods, encourage him to eat salty foods and sugar-free drinks. Check that there is not too much sugar in pre-prepared baby foods (including savoury), biscuits and baby drinks. Read more about food labels.
• If you choose to give your child sweet foods or fruit juices, give them only at mealtimes. Remember to dilute 1 part juice to 10 parts water.
• Do not reward the child with sweets and ask family and friends to do the same. Stickers, hair clips, crayons, colouring books or bubble wrap are lovely rewards. They may be more expensive than sweets, but they last longer and you are also teaching your child not to reward themselves with food, which can be useful in the future for maintaining a healthy weight.

‍

Regular check-ups at the dentist

Regular visits to the dentist are key to maintaining healthy teeth. It is recommended that children visit the dentist at least twice a year. Checkups help detect and address decayed teeth in children and other problems early.