Parents are often surprised to find out just how much happens to a child’s teeth as time passes. Anatomically, it’s a highly dynamic time, and developmentally, it’s an incredibly important one. Children’s Dental Center is going to break down how your child’s teeth will change as they grow.
Why Children’s Teeth Are Special
Compared to adult teeth, kids have a whole different situation happening in their mouths! These differences mean they need special care and consideration from our doctors, Dr. Rowland, Dr. Selecman, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Greene, and Dr. Church:
- Smaller Size: Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are smaller and have thinner enamel compared to permanent teeth.
- Fewer in Number: There are only 20 primary teeth in a full set, whereas adults have 32 permanent teeth.
- Roots That Dissolve: Primary teeth have roots that naturally dissolve as permanent teeth start to push through and fully erupt out of the gums.
- Foundation for Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth act as placeholders to guide permanent teeth into their correct position, which is part of why we recommend kids see an orthodontist as well as a dentist relatively early to correct any misalignment.
A Toothsome Timeline
We want to start at the very beginning. Teeth actually begin to develop long before parents see them. Our team is going to explain the different stages of a child’s teeth, from infancy/toddler age to adolescence, to give you a good idea of the changes taking place:
1. Infancy (0-6 Months): Babies are born without visible teeth, but tooth development begins before birth. Even without teeth, we still suggest that you clean your baby’s gums each day with a soft, damp cloth.
2. Teething (6 Months – 3 Years): The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors around six months of age; by age three, most children have all 20 primary teeth. The teething process usually features increased drooling, gum irritation, and a fervent desire to chew on random objects. A teething ring or gentle gum massages are very safe and soothing at this stage, which can be painful.
3. Preschool Years (3-6 Years): At this stage, the primary teeth have fully erupted, and children develop their chewing and speech skills. It’s important to start establishing healthy brushing habits twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and supervise flossing. If you aren’t sure what cleaning supplies to use, let us know.
4. Mixed Dentition (6-12 Years): Permanent teeth will finally start to emerge, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. Baby teeth will fall out as they’re replaced by adult teeth (the Tooth Fairy will be busy). At this point, schedule regular check-ups at Children’s Dental Center to monitor alignment and give us the chance to identify any issues early.
5. Teenage Years (12+ Years): By their early teens, most children have all their permanent teeth except for their wisdom teeth. This is usually around when permanent braces or other orthodontic treatment begins if needed. Reinforce good oral hygiene habits and remind your kids that these are the teeth they’ll be keeping for good!
Tips for Healthy Development
We know that may seem like a lot to handle—but you’re not doing it on your own! Remember that our team at Children’s Dental Center is your ultimate resource when it comes to taking care of your children’s teeth. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make this process run smoothly:
- Start Early: Be as proactive and preventative as you can when it comes to cleaning your child’s teeth and gums.
- Supervise Brushing: Until about age 8, children need guidance to ensure they’re brushing and flossing effectively. You’d be surprised how tricky they can get—so make sure the water running in the bathroom sink is doing more than just getting the brush wet!
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Do your best to avoid an excessively sugary diet. This can be challenging for a lot of parents, but remember that children are even more susceptible to cavities and decay than adults.
- Keep Up with Regular Dental Visits: Life can be busy, but be sure to bring your child to the Children’s Dental Center every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. Ask us about scheduling options so that we can best accommodate your family.
- Protection During Sports: If you’ve got a budding student-athlete on your hands, be adamant about them wearing a mouthguard during practices and games to prevent mild to serious dental injuries. Contact sports are always risky for teeth, even more so if braces are involved.
Happy, Hygienic, and Healthy!
Whether this is your first child or your fourth being treated at Children’s Dental Center, we hope you know you’re in good hands with us. We have three convenient locations across the Mid-South, in Arlington, Collierville, and Midtown.