|
An infant's first teeth are called baby teeth or primary teeth. They usually start to come in (erupt) between 6 months and 12 months of age. A total of 20 primary teeth erupt by about 3 years of age. Children begin to lose their primary teeth between the ages of 6 and 11 years. They are replaced by secondary, or permanent teeth.
It's best to start good oral health habits before permanent teeth come in.
Your child's first permanent teeth usually erupt behind the primary teeth at about age 6. The last permanent teeth usually erupt between the ages of 12 and 21.
• Start cleaning your child's teeth with a soft cloth or gauze pad as soon as the teeth come in. As more teeth erupt, clean teeth with a soft toothbrush, using only water for the first few months.
• By the time your baby is 1 year old, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush your child's teeth for the first few years, until your child can do it alone (usually at about age 3).
Avoid "Baby Bottle Decay"
For years, pediatricians and dentists have been cautioning parents not to put an infant or older child down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula, or milk. Many parents don't realize this can wreak havoc with their child's oral health.
The sugary liquids in the bottle cling to baby's teeth, providing food for bacteria that live in the mouth. The bacteria produce acids that can trigger tooth decay. Left unchecked, dental disease can adversely affect a child's growth and learning, and can even affect speech.
If you must give your child a bottle to take to bed, make sure it contains only water,
All children need early and regular dental care. A visit to a dentist is recommended at 6 months of age or no later than 6 months after the first tooth erupts. If your child is not in a high-risk category,
Many parents dread their child's first visit to the dentist's office. If you have concerns about how your child will behave, talk to us before scheduling the visit. We may allow your child to come in once or twice before being examined. These types of visits help prepare your child and often make him or her more comfortable with us, other staff, and the office environment.
Regular dental visits are important to teach your child good dental care and to help prevent cavities and other problems. The exam also helps to identify and treat problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious.
What Happens at the First Dental Visit?
The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment.
During the exam, your dentist will check all of your child's existing teeth for decay, examine your child's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride.
Topics your dentist may discuss with you might include:
1. Good oral hygiene practices for your child's teeth and gums and cavity prevention
2. Fluoride needs
3. Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
4. Developmental milestones
5. Teething
6. Proper nutrition
Never listen to people who say your child’s teeth are not important. They are as important as your permanent teeth.
Some times when a filling is not possible because of excessive damage to the tooth and the infection reaching to the nerve of the tooth, Procedure similar to root canal treatment called pulpotomy/pulpectomy may be done followed by placement of a crown.
|