Children's Teeth and Their Dental Visits

CHILD'S FIRST DENTAL VISIT

For little ones, we recommend scheduling their first visit either when their first tooth appears or by the time they turn six months old, whichever comes first. 

What the Dentist Does

• Gentle Examination:

  The dentist will perform a simple, pressure-free examination to assess the overall health of the teeth and gums. They may use a mirror and a small air device. 

• Oral Health Check:

  The dentist will count your child's teeth and check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other developmental issues. 

• Oral Hygiene Guidance:

  You'll receive personalized advice on how to care for your child's teeth, including proper brushing techniques, nutrition, and the importance of regular dental checks. 

• Discuss Future Care:

  The dentist will suggest a schedule for future check-ups and discuss treatments like fissure sealants if necessary

Fissure Sealants

CHILDREN'S TEETH

When will my child's teeth come in?

Most children get their first teeth (often called “baby teeth” or “milk teeth”) around 6 months of age. By the time they are about 2½ years old, they usually have all 20 baby teeth.

At around age 6, the first permanent molars begin to appear — these are the “adult” back teeth and they come in before any baby teeth fall out. The lower front teeth are usually the first to be lost, followed by the upper front teeth.

By about age 14, most children will have all of their permanent teeth, except for their wisdom teeth, which typically appear between ages 18 and 25.

Keep in mind that every child is different — some may get their teeth a little earlier or later than others, and that’s usually nothing to worry about.

Source: www.pampers.com

Children's Teeth Brushing

Brushing should become a natural part of your child’s daily routine. A good technique is to sit or stand behind your child and gently support their chin so you can see and reach all their teeth.

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

• Supervise brushing until your child is at least 7 years old.

• Once all their teeth are in, use small, gentle circular motions, making sure to brush every surface — including behind the teeth and along the gumline.

• After brushing, encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water.

• Aim for brushing twice a day, ideally before bed and one other time.
  

Praise your child for their efforts — encouragement helps build good habits!

Preventing Tooth Decay

The key to preventing cavities isn’t just about how much sugar your child eats, but how often they have it.

• Keep sugary and acidic foods and drinks to mealtimes.

• Offer healthy snacks like cheese, raw vegetables, or fresh fruit. Limit dried fruit, which is high in sugar.

• Give water between meals — avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice.

• Check labels for hidden sugars — ingredients ending in “-ose” (like glucose or sucrose) are types of sugar.

  
  

And of course, make sure your child brushes with fluoride toothpaste twice daily — especially before bedtime.

Helping Children Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

Your attitude toward dental visits can make a big difference. Stay calm and positive so your child doesn’t pick up on any fears.

Take them for regular check-ups — getting used to the sights and sounds of the dental office early can prevent anxiety later. If treatment is needed, being familiar with the environment can make the experience far less stressful.