A child’s first dental examination should take place by his/her first birthday. At this visit we examine your child’s teeth and soft tissue, teach you proper oral hygiene methods, perform a decay risk assessment and provide guidance with regard to diet and dental health. Don’t worry if you don’t think your child will “sit still” for this visit! This is more like a “well-baby visit” with your pediatrician and is meant to be more educational for the parents.
A child’s teeth start forming before birth. Usually, the first tooth erupts between ages 6 to 12 months—the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order vary. Gums may be sore and tender during the teeth process. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger or with a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Chilled teething rings also work well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.
Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth—32, including the third molars (wisdom teeth).
Primary teeth are essential for several reasons. Foremost, good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain proper nutrition. Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable. Primary teeth also guide the eruption of permanent teeth, and how your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problems, hence the need for regular care and dental checkups. hence, the need for regular care and dental checkups.
Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or prevented by not allowing infants to breast or bottle-feed while sleeping. A bottle containing anything other than water, left in an infant’s mouth while sleeping, can cause decay. Sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquids containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for several hours. When awake, saliva carries away the sugar with the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases, and liquids pool around the child’s teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids.
Oral home care should begin as soon as the primary teeth erupt. Newly erupted incisor teeth should be wiped off with a soft cloth at least twice a day. Once the molars start to erupt, parents and/or caregivers should use a soft toddler toothbrush to cleanse the teeth twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime. For children not in school, adults should assist in brushing their teeth. These children do not have the manual dexterity to be able to do an excellent job on their own.
The teeth, bones, and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. The frequency of carbohydrate exposure can be the determining factor in decay formation. We recommend that children eat three healthy meals a day and limit their snacking to nutritious foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, nuts, and popcorn. Avoid juices, sports drinks, and sodas that are high in sugar and acids. Fluoridated water and milk are the best choices of beverage for children and teens.
