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Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
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Teeth - first year
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
Teething
After six months, the first teeth begin to erupt into the mouth. Babies can be uncomfortable during teething. Clean teething rings which have been cooled in the fridge can help. Babies often like a piece of apple to bite on as well. Ask your pharmacist about anaesthetic teething gels also. Remember, if a baby seems unwell for more than a day, it may not be due to teething problems, so do get medical advice.
Back to TopHow can I keep my baby’s teeth healthy?
As the first teeth erupt, it is important to think about keeping them healthy. So what can be done?
As soon as the teeth erupt, begin cleaning them either with a soft cloth or very soft toothbrush at bath time.
When you clean baby’s teeth, remember to lift the lip and make sure the teeth get cleaned right to the gums. Check for any marks or stains on the top front teeth. If you notice any changes, ask a school dental therapist or your family dentist to have a look.
Back to TopShould I use fluoride toothpaste for my baby?
You can use a smear of fluoride toothpaste to help keep the teeth hard. Choose a mild flavour. It is recommended that regular fluoride toothpaste be used to maximize the effect of fluoride.
Back to TopI don’t live in a place with fluoride in the water. What should I do?
Ask the local school dental therapist or your dentist for advice. They will tell you which fluoride to use to give your baby’s teeth the best protection.
Back to TopWhat causes decay?
When foods with sugars are eaten, bacteria in the mouth make acids that dissolve teeth to form holes. The main risk for tooth decay is frequent drinking and eating foods which contain sugars. Therefore avoid giving your baby a bottle or a sipper cup with juice, cordial, or other sweet drinks to carry around or to go to sleep with. If you have to use a bottle, just make sure it has only water in it.
Back to TopWhat if I have decay – are my children at risk?
If you have decay, you should make sure you get your teeth fixed because decay is contagious (catching). You can pass on the decay bacteria to your baby. Remember not to share spoons and food with your baby to avoid passing on your bacteria. Your dentist can advise you other ways to decrease the risks for your baby.
Back to TopWhen should I get my child’s teeth checked?
Ideally, all children should have their first dental visit by the time they are one year old. You can ask the local dental therapist or your family dentist. The therapist or dentist can check for any developing problems and can give you good advice about ways to keep the teeth healthy.
Back to TopWhere to go for more information
HealthEd website (Ministry of Health)The HealthEd website houses a searchable catalogue of resources about key public health topics. Health professionals and members of the public can download or order one or multiple copies of the following via the HealthEd website:
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It's easy to protect your family's smile booklet (at right)
An explanation of the free basic oral health service available from birth until your child's eighteenth birthday, together with advice about cleaning and looking after teeth and about healthy food for healthy teeth -
Baby teeth are important (below)
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Dental health and fluoride (below)
- Help prevent tooth decay (below)
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Tooth brushing (below)
The Ministry of Health provides information about enrolling your child in NZ's free oral health service and how to look after your child's teeth at their Let's talk teeth website.
Free phone line: 0800 Talk teeth (0800 825 583)
Website: http://www.letstalkteeth.co.nz/
NZDA (The New Zealand Dental Association)
The NZDA provides information and advice about infants', toddlers', children's and teens' teeth at their Healthy Smiles website. Their section on infants' and toddlers' teeth includes:
Website: http://www.healthysmiles.org.nz/
Well Child / Tamariki Ora website
The Well Child / Tamariki Ora website offers information about babies, infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers under five years old. The site supports the Well Child / Tamariki Ora programme and schedule of Well Child / Tamariki Ora checks. See their information on teething, toothbrushing, baby bottle caries and good food, healthy teeth.
The Well Child / Tamariki Ora website offers information about babies, infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers under five years old. The site supports the Well Child / Tamariki Ora programme and schedule of Well Child / Tamariki Ora checks. See their information on teething, toothbrushing, baby bottle caries and good food, healthy teeth.
Australian websites
Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney
The website of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney provides fact sheets on:
Back to TopYour notes
Endorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 26/04/2010
Copyright
Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012
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The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz |
Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz |
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012
|
The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz |
Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz |
This fact sheet was printed on: 10-Feb-2012 03:36am