Informing the parents of patients about changes in their child's teeth and overall oral health is something we frequently do in our pediatric dentist office. When a parent brings his or her child in for an appointment, we go over a variety of health factors. We review healthy oral hygiene habits and answer questions in addition to examining and cleaning teeth.
Very often, parents ask questions pertaining to the life cycle of teeth. Parents are not always sure of when baby teeth are supposed to fall out and adult teeth are supposed to grow in. Here are a few facts that all parents should know about their child's teeth.
Children have baby teeth erupt at different points in the first year. Children may have a tooth descend at 4 months of age, while it may take other children until they are 11 months or even a year old. If it happens within the first year of life there is nothing to be concerned about. If a tooth does not descend by the child's first birthday, then the parent will want to bring the child into our office. Normally, a child makes his or her first dental checkup at this point in time anyways.
Teeth can begin falling out as early as 3 years of age.
Though most children do not lose their baby teeth until they are 5 years old, some children can have teeth fall out as early as 3 years of age. There is no difference developmentally, as long as the permanent tooth is also ready to replace the missing baby tooth. Problems arise when baby teeth fall out prematurely due to an accident or infection. In these situations, the baby tooth is not ready to erupt.
The child will then experience issues with overcrowding, as the surrounding teeth move out of their position and encroach on the space where the permanent tooth is meant to be. By the age of 13, the child will most likely have lost all of his or her baby teeth.
The first set of molars will most likely erupt between the ages of 3 and 7. We can examine the teeth and ensure that the first set of molars grow in correctly.
As a pediatric dentist, we find that patients typically have all their permanent teeth by the age of 13. Wisdom teeth may come in later in life and have different effects on one's oral health than the other teeth. In some cases, it is still fairly normal for the second set of molars being late to erupt.
Once a child has all or most of the permanent teeth, it is time to evaluate them and determine if braces are necessary.
Once a child has the first tooth, it is necessary to begin brushing teeth twice per day. Initially, parents will need to use a rubber-tipped brush that can slip on a parent's finger. Parents will also need to use infant toothpaste since a child cannot spit at this age. As the child gets older, he or she will move to a toothbrush that is appropriately sized for the child's age while also using fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing is also important since it can remove food and plaque that is trapped between teeth. Until a child reaches the age of 7, it is wise for parents to assist with the brushing process. Since young children are unlikely to get a good cleaning, parent supervision is ideal. It is also wise to have a child receive professional teeth cleanings at least twice per year.
With the professional visits, we can remove plaque and tartar that the child may not be able to reach with a toothbrush. Additional fluoride and dental sealant treatments can also further strengthen and protect the child's teeth. If a child plays sports, then it is the child's best interest to wear a mouth guard.
Learn more about the life cycle of teeth, why baby teeth are so important and how to care for them by scheduling an appointment with our pediatric dentist office.
Your child needs pediatric dentistry services. Caring for their mouth, teeth and gums is critical at a young age. You work hard to keep cavities, plaque, tartar and other issues at bay. If you place a significant emphasis on your health, you should do the same for your young family members. If your child needs…
Looking for more information on children’s dental care? Good idea. This information is especially beneficial for new parents, as they need to fully understand the dental care requirements recommended by dental professionals. There are dental guidelines in place that listWanting more insight on children’s dental care? When children are sitting in a dental chair, there…
From the first appointment, a Pediatric Dentist keeps in mind a pacifier or thumb sucking habit and watches the way your child's teeth and jaw develop. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, sucking generally only becomes a problem if it continues after the age of 3. It is normal for children to suck on…
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), parents should book dental appointments with a pediatric dentist for their children at least twice yearly, starting about six months, following the eruption of the first tooth. These two yearly dental appointments enable the pediatric dentist to watch the teeth development closely, examine any change in the…