Your Child's First Teeth

Your child’s first tooth is a big developmental milestone, so it’s important for you to know what to expect and how to maintain your child’s teeth when they start coming in. It’s just as vital to take care of baby teeth as it is permanent teeth, even though the baby teeth eventually fall out. Improper dental hygiene can set your child up for oral complications early on, as well as poor dental hygiene habits down the road, including more severe oral issues. Be sure to look for the signs that their baby teeth are coming in and take the proper steps to keeping them healthy.

Eruption of Baby Teeth

child teeth chartBaby teeth typically erupt in the lower front teeth region, with most children obtaining all their baby teeth by three years old. For some children, this timeline varies. Some may not experience their first erupted baby tooth until their first birthday.

Teething

Teething is an indicator that your child’s baby teeth are coming in, and is usually accompanied by slight discomfort, excessive drooling, and swollen or tender gums. Some tips to remember when teething begins include:

  • Massage your child’s gums with a clean finger to ease some discomfort.
  • Offer a solid, not liquid-filled, teething ring (can be frozen).
  • Offer a clean, frozen, or wet washcloth.
  • Offer a teething biscuit, but be sure to monitor your child while they eat it.
  • If discomfort persists, talk to your child’s pediatrician about a safe dose of liquid acetaminophen.
  • Avoid teething tablets that contain belladonna and benzocaine gel, as these substances can be potentially toxic to your child.
  • Never use a teething necklace, as your child will be at risk for strangulation or choking.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Once your child’s first tooth comes in, you will need to begin an oral hygiene routine with them. The process slightly changes as they grow, so some helpful tips include:

  • Brushing twice a day with a grain-of-rice-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste, especially after consuming foods or beverages.
  • Refrain from letting your child go to bed with a bottle since this can lead to tooth decay.
  • When your child turns three years old, you may increase fluoride toothpaste to a pea-sized amount when brushing.
  • When your child is at the developmental stage where they can spit, teach them to spit out the excess toothpaste after brushing.
  • It’s recommended that the parent place the toothpaste on their child’s toothbrush until they reach six years of age.
  • Parents should monitor and assist their child while brushing until they reach seven or eight years old.

Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride is an essential mineral for preventing tooth decay, as it works to harden the enamel of the teeth. Fluoride is often found in tap water, rarely ever bottled, so it’s a good idea to give your child tap water when they begin eating solid foods. If you feel that your child is not consuming enough fluoride, talk to your pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm | Every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Thank you! You truly are a magician! My teeth look and feel great! You and your staff were kind, competent, and understanding. Thank you!"
    Thelma W.
  • "My family and I have been going to Hobson Dental and Dr. DeWeirdt for many, many years. The service is always amazing, and the staff treat us like family!! I highly recommend Hobson Dental!!"
    Lara K.
  • "My whole family comes here and we love it! The staff are all so nice and caring. I love that it feels like a small town dental office; they remember you each and every time. Dr Deweirdt is an excellent dentist. He’s thorough and doesn’t rush into rash decisions about procedures."
    Allison C.
  • "Excellent service from the moment I walked in the door!! My family and I found our new dentist. Dr. Deweirdt is awesome!! He answered all my questions and provided remarkable feedback. Most importantly I was pleased with his work!"
    Margaret J.
  • "I have been going to Hobson Dental for almost 30 years. Pleasant, professional and courteous staff. Dr. Deweirdt knows his patients and families. I highly recommend Hobson Dental if you’re looking for a dentist."
    Melissa A.
  • "Dr. DeWeirdt is hilarious, which makes you look forward to each visit. But he’s also very good at what he does, so you know you will be treated right. Staff is friendly, good hours to fit your schedule. Have referred family and friends there, many times."
    Zach G.
  • "Dr. D and his staff are incredible. I can honestly say I Love ❤️ going to my dentist. He and his staff make you feel at home. Dr. D eliminates the stress and anxiety that can come with visiting the dentist. THEY ARE SUPERB!!!"
  • "I have been going to Hobson Dental since I was in college, 25 plus years. Dr Dewierdt is the BEST, great bedside manner and just a really good guy! He also knows his stuff. The staff at Hobson Dental has also been wonderful throughout the years from the Dental assistants, dental hygienists to the front desk. Highly recommend if you are looking for a new Dentist."
    Anne S.
  • "Entire office is friendly. Hygenist Heidi was gentle and thorough. Always make me feel comfortable.
    I have been a patient for several years."
    Robyn
  • "Can't say enough great things about Hobson Dental. Great dentistry, they listen and truly understand their patients needs. Dr Glen DeWeirdt is fantastic and so personable. 100 star rating from me!!"
    Sue C.
  • "Great dentist. Dr Glen deweirdt is wonderful. They are all so caring and understanding. They make you feel comfortable and relaxed. My experience was nothing but the best. Would highly recommend Hobson dental to everyone."
    David M.
  • "Great dental care provider. Been coming here for years. Hygienists are nice and careful. Dr D is the best and does awesome work!! You will be well cared for."
    Mike G.