What Every New Parent Needs to Know About Baby Teeth

Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s most joyful experiences. Along with sleepless nights and first steps comes another important milestone—your child’s first teeth. At Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, we want parents to know that baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s growth and development. Understanding how to care for them now sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Many parents wonder, “If baby teeth fall out, why are they so important?” The truth is that primary teeth, also called baby teeth, serve several essential purposes:

• Speech development: Baby teeth help children form sounds and words properly.
• Chewing and nutrition: Healthy teeth allow kids to eat a wide variety of foods for balanced nutrition.
• Jaw and facial growth: Baby teeth guide the alignment of the jaw and shape of the face.
• Holding space for adult teeth: They act as placeholders, ensuring permanent teeth come in straight.

If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or trauma, the surrounding teeth may shift. This can cause misalignment issues that require orthodontic treatment later.

When Do Baby Teeth Appear?

According to the American Dental Association, the first baby teeth usually appear between 6 and 12 months of age. Most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by age 3. The timing can vary from child to child, but if you have concerns about delayed eruption, a pediatric dental checkup can provide peace of mind.

Some of the common concerns for parents as baby teeth appear:

• Teething discomfort: Gums may be sore as teeth erupt. Teething rings or a clean, cold washcloth can help soothe your baby.
• Baby bottle tooth decay: Allowing babies to fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice can expose teeth to sugars, leading to early cavities.
• Thumb sucking or pacifiers: These habits are normal but should be monitored, especially if they continue past age 3.

Protecting Your Baby’s Teeth

Caring for your child’s smile starts before the first tooth arrives. Here are some important steps every parent should follow:

• Clean gums early: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings.
• Brush as soon as teeth appear: Use a child-sized toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice.
• Limit sugary drinks: Avoid putting juice, soda, or sweetened drinks in bottles or sippy cups.
• Schedule the first dental visit: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit by their first birthday.

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, our Baton Rouge team creates a welcoming, stress-free environment for both parents and children. We guide families through each stage of dental development with compassion and expertise.

The Importance of Keeping Baby Teeth Healthy

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, cavities or infection in primary teeth can affect your child’s overall health. Pain from tooth decay may interfere with sleep, eating, and learning. In severe cases, untreated dental infections can spread.

Did you know? Studies show that over 40% of children experience cavities by the time they reach kindergarten. Early preventive care significantly reduces this risk.

By keeping baby teeth healthy until the adult teeth arrive, parents can avoid costly treatments and ensure a smoother transition to permanent teeth.

Local Care for Young Smiles

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, we are proud to support families in Baton Rouge and surrounding communities with trusted pediatric dental services. From your baby’s first visit to their teenage years, our goal is to provide the education and care parents need to help their children develop strong, healthy smiles.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit

If you’re a new parent in Baton Rouge, now is the perfect time to start your child’s dental journey. Regular checkups, early education, and healthy habits all begin with that important first appointment.

Contact Juban Cowen Dental Care today to schedule your child’s first dental visit and let us partner with you in protecting your little one’s smile.