Children’s Teeth

Things You Need to Know about Children’s Teeth

Although the primary teeth are going to fall out eventually, taking care of them is still very important because your child will need to keep them for first 5 – 6 years before the adult teeth will erupt. Typically, the first tooth starts erupting at the age of 6 months. The first two teeth are usually the front two incisors in the lower jaw. The lateral incisors, the front four teeth on the top, start appearing at the age of 9 to 13 months. After that, the teeth continue to erupt in order to fill the space. By the time 20th tooth erupts, the age of the child is usually 3 years and a few months. At the age of 6 – 7 years, the child gets the mouth full of all the teeth which need to erupt.

A few facts are worth mentioning in this regard.

  • A general rule is that 4 teeth erupt after every six months in the initial years.
  • Girls get their teeth sooner as compared to boys.
  • The eruption of lower teeth usually occurs before the upper teeth.
  • The teeth erupt in pairs in both jaws, i.e. one on the left and one on the right.
  • The primary teeth are smaller and whiter as compared to permanent teeth.
  • All of the primary teeth erupt at the age of 2 – 3 years.

The growth of facial bones generally starts after the age of 4 years. This growth enhances the gap between primary teeth, creating a room for the permanent teeth to come in.

Importance of taking care of baby teeth

Even though the primary teeth are not going to stay in the mouth forever, taking care of those teeth is still very important. A few reasons are worth mentioning in this regard.

  • Primary teeth are the placeholders for permanent teeth.
  • They maintain normal appearance of the face.
  • They help the kids to speak properly.
  • They help in eating normal foods. Children in developmental phase need to good nutrition which is usually available in mildly hard foods.
  • If the primary teeth are taken good care of, the permanent teeth will also get a healthy start. If primary teeth get decayed, there is a risk for the permanent teeth to develop decay.

While you need to make sure that you get your children brushing their teeth, you need to take them to the dentist after every 6 months. Ideally, the first dental visit of your kids should be at his 6 months of age.