Teething
Typically the first tooth erupts between 3 and 12 months of age. Gums are sore, tender and sometimes swollen during eruption. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean 
finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is harmful to the teeth.
While your baby is teething, it is important to monitor the teeth for signs of baby bottle decay. Examine the teeth, especially on the inside or tongue side, every two weeks for chalky white or dark spots or lines. A bottle containing anything other than water when left in an infant’s mouth while sleeping can cause decay. This occurs because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the child’s teeth for prolonged periods, bathing the teeth in acids.
Whenever any white, brown or unusual tooth spots or discolorations are observed, it is important to seek an early evaluation with your pediatric dentist to avoid more serious tooth damage.
Infant’s New Teeth
The primary, or “baby,” teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to the development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they begin to replace the primary teeth.
Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into position, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can drift and tilt toward the empty space and cause permanent teeth to erupt into crooked and crowded positions. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your pediatric dentist.
The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth 
plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems—hence, the need for good daily care and regular dental checkups.
A Child’s First Dental Visit
A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits.
As a parent you can play an important role in preparing your child for this visit. It is important to demonstrate positive attitudes and encouraging language when describing the dental visit. Avoid using technical terminology unfamiliar to your child. Children's books and videos can assist you in communication by descibing the dental visit utilizing age appropriate language and visualizations. Be positive! Describe the first visit as an adventure, much like a visit to the zoo.
Why Primary Teeth Are Important
Primary teeth are important for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.
In addition the primary teeth serve as a template for the development of the permanent dentition, and premature loss of teeth or tooth structure can result in a loss of arch space and increased crowding of the permanent teeth. Untreated dental decay in the primary dentition can cause damage to the underlying developing permanent teeth and in severe cases a life threatening infection.
Good Diet and Healthy Teeth
The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups help minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities. Parents should encourage the use of healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, as snack substitutes beginning at a young age.
Infant Tooth Eruption
The age of eruption of the first tooth varies greatly among individuals. Typically it is between 3 and 12 months of age with 6 months being the average. The first tooth erupted is usually a lower incisor, but again the eruption sequence can also vary with individuals. It is very unusual for an erupted primary tooth to be present at birth. Usually any teeth present at birth are neonatal teeth which are extra teeth with very small roots. Many times these teeth are very loose and removal is recommended to avoid aspiration.
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. If your child accidentally falls asleep while bottle feeding or nursing, it is important to wipe any excess fluids from the mouth with a damp gauze or washcloth before laying the child down for the night.
Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth.