The secret to a healthy smile begins at an early age. Learn all you need to know about taking care of your Children’s Tooth Care throughout their early years through to teenage years under the advice of a Baldivis paediatric dentist.
Why Children’s Tooth Care is important
It is commonly believed among many parents that primary or baby teeth are less important because they will eventually fall off. That is the biggest myth in children’s dentistry. Primary teeth hold spaces for adult teeth, ensure proper chewing function, aid in speaking correctly, and instill lifelong good dental habits in the child.Tooth decay is the number one chronic illness affecting children in Australia, although it is completely preventable. Early establishment of dental habits is the most important thing parents can do for their Children’s Tooth Care.Did you know? According to the Australian Dental Association, children should have their first dental examination within six months after the eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday, whichever happens earlier.
When does a baby get teeth?
Learning about the stages of your baby’s teething process helps you be aware of potential complications.When do kids get their teeth?Knowing your child’s teething milestones is key to detecting any complications that arise during this period.
First Tooth (6-10 Months)
This is when the first baby tooth grows in, and mostly the lower front teeth. Infants tend to drool a lot as well as suffer from gum irritation.
Front Teeth Development (10-16 Months)
Further development of front teeth, particularly in the upper part, takes place. Children are likely to chew objects due to gum irritation.
Complete Set of Baby Teeth (2-3 Years)
Children at this age usually possess a total of 20 baby teeth. Dental hygiene becomes crucial.
Emergence of Permanent Teeth (6-7 Years)
The emergence of permanent molars is observed alongside baby teeth falling off automatically.
Period of Adult Teeth (12-13 Years)
Permanent teeth are fully grown. Orthodontic visits can be recommended if necessary.
Children’s Tooth Care tip by age
0-2 years: Pre- and post-teething period
Gum cleaning even before the appearance of first teeth can be done using a clean, moistened cloth. After teeth emerge, brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush with the size of a grain of rice of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended.It is advised to avoid giving your baby a bottle of milk or juice while sleeping. This will prevent what is called “bottle rot” in early childhood. It is an accelerated rate of tooth decay that is brought about when your baby sleeps with a bottle.
2-6 years: Learning good brushing techniques
At this stage, you can allow your child to brush his/her teeth using a small pea-sized portion of low-fluoride toothpaste. Since children at this stage are still unable to brush independently, the task needs to be done by a parent. You can make brushing fun by singing a song during the process.Start flossing as soon as two teeth meet. Flossing picks will be helpful at this stage to floss the teeth of a moving toddler.
6-12 years: Transitional dentition
Also known as the ‘mixed dentition’ period, when both primary and permanent teeth are present. At this stage, let kids learn to brush their teeth by themselves, but keep monitoring them till 8-9 years of age, when they develop better hand coordination. Use fluoridated toothpaste (1000-1450 ppm).Fissure sealants that are put on by your dentist may decrease the chances of developing caries in the deep fissures of erupted molar teeth.
Age > 12: Teenagers and their oral care
There are certain special factors that affect the oral hygiene of teenagers like wearing braces due to which it becomes difficult for them to clean their teeth properly. Moreover, sports injuries can damage their teeth and sports energy drinks can erode their enamel layer.
What is the cause of decayed teeth among children?
The bacteria found in the mouth utilize sugar and acid to decay tooth enamel by eating away at it. The factors leading to children having cavities include:
- Eating too many sugary foods and beverages
- Ineffective brushing methods or irregularity with the habit
- Feeding with a bottle while sleeping (among babies)
- Sharing eating utensils or soothers with adults, who harbor bacteria
- Having dry mouth because of mouth breathing
- Indications that your child might be experiencing a dental issue
Signs your child may have a dental problem
Your child should see the dentist immediately if he/she exhibits the following signs:
- Presence of white/brown marks on the teeth (indication of decay)
- Experience of pain from the teeth; sensitivity to hot/cold/sweet foods
- Puffy gums or presence of pus near the teeth
- An early loosening of baby teeth/late absence of baby teeth
- “Shark teeth” (appearance of adult teeth in place of baby teeth)
- Thumb sucking/pacifier use beyond the age of three
Frequently asked questions about Children’s Tooth Care
When should my child have their first visit to the dentist?
This should occur within six months after the appearance of the first tooth, or before the age of one year. This visit will be stress-free, acclimatise your child to the dental practice, and enable your dentist to detect problems as early as possible.
What type of toothpaste is good for my toddler?
Fluoridated toothpaste is fine for children above the age of 6. In Australia, we recommend that children below 6 years use toothpaste with a low concentration of fluoride (400-500 ppm). The important thing here is using the appropriate amount. There is no need to rinse out the toothpaste.
How do I prepare my child for his first visit to the dentist?
Start early, avoid using negative terms (such as needle or hurt), read some fun stories on visiting the dentist, and consider bringing your child for a “happy visit”. During a happy visit, there is no work done, your child just meets the team and sits in the chair.
My child sucks his thumb — is it bad?
Thumb and dummy sucking up to age 3 is acceptable behavior but after that, it may have an impact on the development of the teeth and the jawline, resulting in either an open bite or prominent front teeth. In the case that thumb and dummy sucking persists beyond ages 3 or 4, consult your dental professional about ways to discourage the behavior.
Does the health of my baby teeth matter if they will be replaced?
It does matter. Not only do your baby teeth make sure there is room for your adult teeth but it affects you being able to chew properly and pronounce your words. It can even impact your self-confidence. When your baby teeth become diseased, the adult teeth developing underneath them are also affected.
What are fissure sealants and are they necessary for my child?
Fissure sealants are a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth, sealing them against the grooves which harbor the bacteria. They are easy to apply and effective in protecting your child’s teeth from caries while between ages 6 and 14.
Children’s dental care services at Baldivis Dental Clinic
We offer our children’s patients a warm and friendly atmosphere at Baldivis Dental Clinic. Some of the services we provide include regular check-ups and cleanings, preventive fluoride application, fissure sealants, early orthodontic evaluation, sports mouth guards, and emergency dental treatment. Eligible children can access our services free of charge via the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule.