Dentistry for Children
On our video page, click on the "Orthodontics" button, then on "Eruption of Baby and Permanent Teeth."
A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. Our office makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.
We believe that children should visit the dentist by their third birthday. It is important that your child's newly erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.
When New Teeth Arrive
Your child's first tooth erupts between ages 6-12 months and the remainder of the 20 primary or "baby" teeth typically erupt by age 2. During this time, gums may feel tender and sore, causing your child to feel irritable. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring.
Your child's primary teeth are shed at various times throughout childhood, and the permanent teeth begin erupting at age 6 and continue until the age of 18 to 21. Adults normally have 32 permanent teeth, which includes the wisdom teeth.
Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
As new teeth erupt, examine them every two weeks for lines and discoloration caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes his teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing at least twice each day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast (optionally after lunch and dinner) and before bedtime. Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. We suggest reviewing proper tooth-brushing procedures with your child.
Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and your doctor will discuss with you the right time for your child to start flossing. If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is preventable. Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth, which turn into an acid that can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason - many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.
Your child should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for many years and must be monitored at your child's regular checkups.