About this topic
Having a beautiful healthy smile as an adult starts when your child is just a baby. How your childs jaws grow can impact your child's smile in the future. So can how the teeth erupt through the gums and line up in the mouth. They can also affect what kind of dental care your child may need in the future. ‚
People have 2 sets of teeth. The first set is called the primary teeth or baby teeth. The next set is the secondary teeth. Some people call these adult teeth or permanent teeth. ‚
Primary or Baby Teeth ‚
Teeth start forming before your child is born. Your child will have all 20 baby teeth in their jawbone when they are born. Most often, the first baby teeth to break through the gums are the lower front teeth. Some children get these as young as 6 months after birth. It is normal if your child takes longer to get a tooth. Take your child to the dentist after the first tooth appears in the mouth, or near their first birthday. Do not wait until your child is 3 to go to the dentist. By the time a child is about 3 years old, all 20 baby teeth should be present and seen in the mouth. ‚
Baby teeth are very important for the future growth and development of your child's adult teeth, gums, and jaws. Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth that will come in below them. They also help your child learn to speak and eat. ‚
Secondary or Adult Teeth ‚
- Losing baby teeth
- Your child will start to have loose baby teeth when an adult tooth is moving in position to take its place.
- When your child's teeth get loose, they can be uncomfortable.
- Encourage your child to wiggle their loose teeth.
- Most often your child will have lost all of their baby teeth by the time they are between 12 and 14 years old.
- Getting adult teeth
- Adult teeth will take the place of the baby teeth that fall out. Your child will also get new adult teeth where there were not any baby teeth before. As the jaws grow, your child will have adult molars come in the empty spaces in the back of the mouth behind the baby teeth. This starts at about the age of 6.
- Your child will get their final adult teeth by the time they are about 21 years old.
- Taking care of your child's teeth
- It is important that you continue to help your child brush even if they have loose teeth.
- If your child is having a lot of pain with a tooth or a loose tooth, talk to your dentist.
- When your child is between the ages of 6 and 13, they will likely have some baby teeth and some adult teeth in their mouth. It is very important for your child to brush and floss well during these years. Many of these teeth will be in your child's mouth for the rest of their life.
- Take your child to the dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist will check to see how well the adult teeth are lining up. The dentist will also look for missing adult teeth and check how your child's jaws are growing. They will also see if your child has any cavities or infections.
- Always check with your dentist if you are worried about your child's teeth.
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Will there be any other care needed?
When new teeth break through the gums, it can be painful. Some children like to use a clean cold washcloth or a teething ring to help with sore, tender gums. Do not dip the teething ring in sugar, honey, or other foods. Talk to your childs doctor or dentist about ways to keep your child comfortable. Only use over the counter drugs with your dentist or doctor's help. If your child is having very bad pain, talk to your child's dentist or doctor. ‚
Your child may need other treatment if they are having problems with their teeth. Some children need to see an expert to help with their dental care. ‚
What problems could happen?
Children get teeth at different times. This chart is a guideline. If your child is not losing their baby teeth at the right time, talk to your childs dentist. Your child may need x-rays to see if any adult teeth are missing. This is a common problem and the dentist will want to know about it as soon as possible. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=296&aid=1173 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚