February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to learn more about maintaining your baby’s dental health. It’s also a great time to learn about your child’s oral health during tooth development.

Your Baby’s Teeth Timeline

Before any teeth present themselves, clean your baby’s gums and mouth with a wet washcloth after eating and drinking. It also is important to take your child to the dentist no later than their first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child see a dentist after their first tooth appears, which is usually between six and 12 months old.

Once teeth emerge, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to brush in soft, gentle circles twice a day with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. Your child will continue to have baby teeth emerge up until their third birthday, and they will keep that set of teeth until around age 6.

Baby Teeth Do Have an Impact on Permanent Teeth

Baby teeth create space for adult teeth to grow. Tooth decay or infection in baby teeth can cause pain and tooth loss. It may also lead to crowding or crookedness in the permanent teeth developing below the gums. Cavities in baby teeth must be treated with the same importance as permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, it can cause damage to its permanent replacement, including issues with alignment, enamel and color.

Check out the rest of these tips for your child’s oral health. Starting good oral health habits early will help lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child!