During the process of tooth eruption in children, they often experience fever or changes in their body that make them cry easily. The emergence of a child’s first tooth is certainly a highly anticipated moment for both parents. Typically, the first tooth appears when the child is 6-10 months old. However, in fact, a child’s teeth have already formed when they are still in the womb, specifically during the second trimester of pregnancy. The teeth that have formed are stored inside the gums. In reality, tooth development begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and undergoes mineralization (formation of dentin, a bone-like layer inside the teeth, and enamel, a hard outer layer of the teeth) at around 4-6 months of pregnancy.
Be Careful, Mothers Can Pass on Cavities to Their Children!
By knowing that tooth development occurs during pregnancy, mothers can better prepare to ensure that their child will have good teeth in the future. The first thing that can be done is to improve the intake of nutrients, especially calcium, which plays a vital role in bone and tooth formation. Make sure to consume foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D.
The next step that can be taken is to maintain mothers’ own dental health. Hormonal changes and a weakened immune system during pregnancy can make pregnant women more susceptible to gum inflammation (swelling and redness of the gums, and even bleeding gums). However, if mothers’ dental and gum health is well-maintained, such issues can be avoided.
The problem is, based on research conducted in the United States, it was found that 12% of mothers with gum inflammation have a higher risk of premature birth or giving birth to low birth weight babies (less than 2500 grams). Furthermore, babies whose mothers have cavities are also at risk of being infected with the same bacteria that cause cavities in their mothers during their early life. Children with mothers who have cavities repeatedly are at risk of developing cavities before the age of 5. These bacteria can be acquired by the child through kissing, putting their fingers in their mother’s mouth, cleaning a pacifier using their mother’s mouth, and using items related to the oral cavity together.
Is it Necessary to Start Taking Care of a Child's Teeth When Their First Tooth Emerges?
If previously dental care for children could be done by mothers through their own consumption patterns and dental care, direct dental care for children can begin as soon as they are born. Even though they don’t have teeth yet, their gums need to be cared for. When taking care of a child’s teeth and gums, it is not necessary to wait for their first tooth to emerge. Gum care for infants can be done by gently cleaning their gums with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. Then, when their teeth start to erupt, mothers can take care of their teeth using a specialized toothbrush for children under 1 year old. Step 1 (0-2 years) – Kids Toothbrush by Jordan, is designed with a special grip to facilitate both the baby and mother in holding it together, and it also comes with a Soft Biting Ring that soothes and massages the baby’s gums and helps train their jaw muscles. This toothbrush is specially designed to be used by children under 1 year old as their first step in brushing their teeth.