Children’s Teeth

Children’s first (milk) teeth are important because, apart from being needed for chewing and speaking, they help maintain space for the permanent teeth, developing underneath them in the jaws.

If milk teeth are well looked after, then it is more likely that the permanent teeth will grow into their correct position.

Did you know that babies in the mother’s womb have about 20 teeth already developing? Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 but usually at 6-7months, the first milk teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although 20 milk teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.

The first permanent tooth is usually one of the four six-year-molars – so named because they appear around age 6. Molars are important because they help shape the lower part of the child’s face as well as affect the position of the other permanent teeth.

          

 

A word of caution: The 6 year permanent molars are often mistaken by the parents as milk teeth and are neglected.

Permanent second molars usually appear around age 12. At that time, your child will have a complete set of teeth except for the wisdom teeth or third molars which usually appear between age 17 and 25.

Special attention should be paid to your child’s teeth during the teen years, as it is during these years that most decay occurs.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start caring for my child’s teeth?

Good dental health is established early in life. Oral care should begin soon after the baby’s birth. Gums should be cleaned after each feeding. You can begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear, using a super soft tooth brush.

When should I take my child to see the dentist?

Ideally, your child’s first dental visit should be by the first birthday. Your dentist will check for decay and other problems, teach you how to clean your child’s teeth and identify your child’s fluoride needs. By starting dental visits early, you’ll help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

Is teething painful?

Yes. When babies are teething they often have sore and tender gums. The pain usually can be soothed by gently rubbing the baby’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze. Teething does not cause fever or diaorrhoea. The diaorrhoea often observed with teething is because of the irritation of teething the child tends to but foreign objects or unclean fingers in the mouth which cause the infection in the gastric tract. If your child has an elevated temperature, it needs to be addressed as a separate medical concern.

Can babies get cavities?

Yes. Even though they will eventually fall out, milk teeth can get cavities and may need to be treated. As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur. One serious form of decay among young children is Nursing bottle caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Babies shouldn’t fall asleep with bottles in their mouths – the sugar in juices or milk formulas can cause tooth decay, leading to cavities, dental discomfort, and even tooth loss. Plain water is usually best.

When should thumb sucking stop?

Sucking is a natural behaviour for babies. Many infants begin sucking thumbs or using pacifiers within three months of birth. Neither habit generally poses a dental problem if it is discontinued before the child’s first permanent teeth erupt.

How can the dentist protect your child’s teeth?

As a child’s permanent teeth erupt, the dentist can prevent cavities from forming with the help of sealants and fluoride treatment. Sealants are a safe, painless and low-cost way to help protect your child’s teeth from decay.

The sealant is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars, and thus prevent these teeth from decay. Fluoride application is a single sitting procedure done once every six months to make the tooth structure stronger and prevent cavities.

What are space maintainers?

A milk tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a milk tooth too soon. If this happens, the teeth beside it may move into the empty space resulting in lack of space for the permanent teeth, leading to crowding. This can be prevented by the use of Space Maintainers. It is more affordable – and easier on your child – to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic (braces) treatment.

DENTAL HEALTH TIPS

With your help, your child can have a lifetime of healthy smiles!

A balanced diet is important for healthy teeth and gums. Children especially need calcium to help build strong teeth (milk, cheese, etc.).

Discourage sugary or starchy snacks

Snack in moderation and include beverages to wash the mouth of food particles.

Set regular snack – times to avoid constant exposure to cavity - causing foods

Seek early dental care for your young one. Begin oral hygiene when an infant’s first tooth emerges

Encourage good oral health and hygiene habits early. Have youngsters brush frequently with fluoride tooth paste.

Teaching your child to maintain good dental habits is the beginning of good dental health. Proper personal care and regular visits to the dentist can keep dental problems to a minimum.