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Child's first (milk) teeth are important because, apart from being needed for chewing and speaking, they help to maintain space for the permanent teeth, developing underneath them in the jaws. If the milk teeth are well looked after, then it is more likely that the second (permanent) teeth will grow into their correct position. Children's teeth begin forming before birth. In the mother’s uterus the development of first 20 teeth starts. In usually 6-7 months, the first milk tooth erupts in the lower central incisors. Though 20 milk teeth usually appear by the age of 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 of 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 permanent teeth. A word of caution: The 6-year permanence molars are often mistaken as milk teeth & neglected.
Permanent second molars usually appear around the age of 12. At that time, your child will have a complete set of teeth except for the wisdom teeth or third molars, which usually appears between age 17 & 25. Special attention should be paid to your Childs teeth during the teen years, as it is during these years that most decay occurs.
FAQ’s
When should I start caring for my child's teeth?
Good dental health care should be established early in life. Oral care should begin soon after the babies' 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 toothbrush.
When should I take my child to 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 will 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 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 diarrhoea. If your child has an elevated temperature, it needs to be addressed as a separate medical concern.
When should thumb sucking stop?
Sucking is a natural behavior for babies. Many infants begin sucking their thumbs or using pacifiers within 3 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 prevents theses teeth from decay Fluoride application is a single sitting procedure done once every six months to make the tooth structure stronger and prevents 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 loose 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 treatment.
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Place of origin: |
India
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