{"id":22443,"date":"2021-01-29T15:33:58","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T14:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/salute-del-neonato\/capitolo-7-salute-orale-e-primi-dentini\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T10:56:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T09:56:01","slug":"chapter-7-oral-health-and-baby-teeth","status":"publish","type":"salute-del-neonato","link":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/salute-del-neonato\/chapter-7-oral-health-and-baby-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 7 \u2013 Oral Health and Baby Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"

A baby\u2019s oral health is deeply influenced by that of the mother, both before and after birth.<\/strong> Recent studies have shown that the more cavities a future mother has, the greater the likelihood that her child will develop the same issues (22). Therefore, expectant mothers are advised to book a dental visit as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, or ideally before conception, to schedule regular hygiene check-ups and resolve any existing problems.
\nDuring pregnancy, numerous changes occur in the mother\u2019s body, including in the oral cavity (23). Hormonal shifts may weaken and inflame the gums, leading to \u201cpregnancy gingivitis<\/strong>\u201d, with redness, pain, and bleeding. Progesterone encourages bacterial growth in the mouth and weakens immune defenses, increasing the risk of cavities and undermining oral health overall.<\/p>\n

For the baby, bacterial colonization of the oral cavity begins in utero and continues through maternal saliva, even via simple gestures like a kiss. However, tooth decay cannot yet occur, as the bacteria responsible require teeth to survive.<\/p>\n

Deciduous teeth<\/strong> (commonly called baby teeth) typically start to erupt between 3 and 6 months of age (24). There are 20 teeth total, per arch: 2 central incisors, 2 lateral incisors, 2 canines, 4 molars. The lower central incisors usually appear first, followed by the upper incisors between 5\u20137 months. The full eruption of central and lateral incisors in both arches generally completes by 12 months. Then follow: First molars: 12\u201318 months, Canines: 18\u201324 months, Second molars: 24\u201330 months.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As with all developmental milestones, teething varies widely. Some children don\u2019t get their first tooth until age one.<\/p>\n

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When teeth begin to emerge, babies may experience: Swollen, inflamed gums, Increased drooling, Sleep disturbances.<\/strong> Sometimes accompanied by: Fever, Diarrhea, Loss of appetite. These symptoms are typically mild, though molars may cause more discomfort. To ease symptoms: Use soothing creams on the gums, Massage gently with a cool, damp sterile gauze, Offer teething rings, especially chilled ones for a cooling, numbing effect.<\/p>\n

Herbal remedies such as chamomile, catnip, thyme, and calendula may also help. Additionally, parental affection and soothing<\/strong> (songs, books, cuddles) greatly contribute to the child\u2019s well-being<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Oral hygiene should start before teeth appear, by gently wiping gums with warm, damp sterile gauze. Special fun microfiber finger gloves make the process playful. Between 12 and 36 months, the child should begin learning to use a toothbrush, always under parental supervision.<\/p>\n

Ideally: Brush after every meal, or at least morning and bedtime.<\/strong> Avoid sugary drinks after brushing at night, as saliva production drops during sleep, making sugar more damaging.<\/p>\n

A first dental check-up is recommended within 6 months of the first tooth eruption. The goals: Acclimate the child to the dental environment, Begin preventive care, Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, they must be treated\u2014they are crucial for future oral health.<\/p>\n\t\t

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