Caring for Primary Teeth

Baby teeth are as important to babies and children as permanent teeth are to older children and adults. Not only do these first teeth enable your child to chew, make sounds and speak clearly, they help maintain the shape of his mouth and face as he grows, and save space for future permanent teeth.

If a baby tooth is lost too early because of an accident or poor dental health, nearby teeth can shift or move into the vacant space, giving the permanent tooth less room to grow.

 

To help keep your child’s baby teeth healthy, start brushing his teeth when the first tooth appears and teach him to do it himself as soon as he’s ready. Because it may take some practice before he can reach all the areas of his mouth with a toothbrush, you may want to supervise at least one of his two daily brushing sessions.¹⁰

 

 

 

Fast Fluoride Facts

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many sources of water, including the ocean. At proper levels, fluoride helps strengthen teeth. It works by preventing the loss of important minerals from tooth enamel and helps those minerals reattach to the surface. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association says using fluoridated water and fluoride products are good ways to help maintain oral health and keep more permanent teeth.¹¹

 

There are several ways to make sure your toddler gets the right amount of fluoride. The most common is fluoride toothpaste, which is fine after age two. Your local water supply may contain the appropriate level of fluoride for optimal dental health, but if it doesn’t, bottled fluoridated water can be another convenient option.¹²

 

 

While the American Dental Hygienists' Association discusses intake levels of fluoride in drinking water, this organization does not sponsor, approve, certify or endorse Nursery® Water.

 

¹⁰ "Caring for Little Teeth,"http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t107300.asp

¹¹ “Fluoride Facts, http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/fluoride_facts.htm

¹² “Fluoride & Fluoridation,” http://www.ada.org/2467.aspx