Baby teeth: an encyclopedia of misconceptions

As a rule, teething goes completely unnoticed by the baby. Sometimes, in weakened children, this process is accompanied by a slight malaise: sleep disorders, restless behavior, fever. This is how the body reacts to stress caused by tooth growth. These symptoms usually last 3-4 days and then go away. If fever, stool disorder and other symptoms are severe and do not go away for a long time, you should show the child to a pediatrician.

Misconception 2. You don't have to brush your first teeth.

You need to take care of your teeth from the moment they erupt. Babies need to brush their teeth after each feeding. There are various tools for cleaning baby teeth: wipes, rubber finger pads, small toothbrushes. All these devices can be purchased at a pharmacy. At the age of 1 year, you can purchase a baby toothbrush with soft bristles. After 1.5 years, you should start teaching your child to brush his teeth himself. But it will take a long time to control his actions, since the child will be able to brush his teeth on his own only by the age of 4-5.

Misconception 3. A child does not need baby toothpaste, any one will do.

The baby must have his own toothpaste, according to age. Baby pastes are designed specifically for baby teeth, and their composition differs from adult pastes. Manufacturers of toothpaste for children take into account that a child can swallow it, and create a neutral composition that does not irritate the stomach and does not harm the body of the crumbs. You can buy baby toothpaste at the pharmacy.

Misconception 4. Baby teeth can be left untreated, as they will fall out anyway.

To avoid dental problems, you should visit a pediatric dentist regularly. The first appointment with a doctor should be scheduled when the child turns one and a half years old. In the future, you need to visit the dentist every 6 months or more often, as directed by the doctor.

Misconception 5. Carious teeth in children should not be filled; it is better to remove them immediately so that permanent ones appear in their place.

It is recommended to remove baby teeth only if it is mobile due to an early change or if there is a focus of infection under it, in which the rudiment of a permanent tooth may be affected. In other cases, dentists recommend caries treatment, since the removal of a baby tooth can cause the formation of an incorrect bite. When a carious cavity is formed in the tooth, the dentist puts a seal on the baby.