Infants

People usually think of a newborn baby as having no teeth. But the 20 primary teeth that will erupt in the next two and a half years are already present at birth in the baby’s jawbones. At birth, the crowns of the primary teeth are almost complete and the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars have begun to form. The front four teeth usually erupt first, beginning as early as six months after birth.

Your infant depends totally on you for Dental Care. You should begin cleaning the baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. This establishes, at an early age, the importance of Dental Hygiene and the feeling of having clean teeth and gums.

To clean your child’s teeth, place the child in a comfortable position that will allow easy access to his or her mouth.

Remember: Your infant depends totally on you for Dental Care!