Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric Dental Care
Why are primary (baby) teeth important?
Problems with baby teeth can lead to problems with developing permanent teeth. Neglected baby teeth can become infected, causing pain and potential damage to the developing teeth below.
Baby teeth also are important for regulating when the permanent teeth come in. When baby teeth are lost too early, the permanent teeth can become crowded and possibly damaged.
When will my child’s baby teeth come in?
Baby teeth usually start to erupt around six months of age, with the bottom central teeth emerging first. While there can be a lot of normal variation, the charts below provide guidelines for when to expect baby and permanent teeth to come in.
Baby teeth eruption chartPermanent teeth eruption chart
When should a child begin using fluoride toothpaste?
A child should be able to spit the toothpaste out before using fluoride toothpaste. Swallowing excess fluoride can lead to fluorosis, or staining, cracking and pitting in the permanent teeth. Until a child has learned to spit properly—usually around four years of age—fluoride-free toothpaste may be used. After the age of eight, most children are not at risk for fluorosis.
When should my child first come to the dentist?
Between your child’s second and third birthdays, children can come in for a “happy visit” to get used to the office, the sounds and the equipment. Without your child even realizing it, our hygienists and dentists can make sure the baby teeth are emerging properly, look for any cavities and assess fluoride needs. This also is a good time for parents to talk about any habits that impact dental health, such as thumb sucking, night feeding and proper brushing and flossing.
Should my child get sealants?
Tooth sealants can help prevent decay. Around six or seven years of age—the same time the permanent molars start to erupt—our dentists evaluate will evaluate your child to see if sealants are appropriate.
When do I start brushing my child’s teeth?
Once the child has teeth, you can begin cleaning them with a damp cloth. As more teeth erupt, you may find a pediatric toothbrush to be more efficient. At this point, toothpaste should be fluoride-free until the child is able to spit efficiently. As you are cleaning, be sure to observe the teeth. Be on the lookout for dark spots or other signs of trouble. This information will be helpful at the dental appointment.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
If necessary, a referral can be made as early as seven, or once the two front teeth and 6-year molars are present.
