A child’s first set of teeth, their baby teeth, play a significant part in their development. These teeth start to develop when before birth, when the child is still a fetus. It is for this reason that it is essential to start thinking about the dental health of your child before they are born. Looking after a baby’s teeth before birth means ensuring that they can draw the correct nutrients during the mother’s pregnancy. This means that the mother needs a diet that provides adequate calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and phosphorus.
Although the teeth will start forming in the fetus at around 6 weeks, the baby teeth will not begin to come through and protrude the baby’s gums until they are a few months old. Baby teeth can appear at anything from around four months of age, until about a year old. These teeth usually start breaking through on the bottom of the mouth first.
When Do You Start Losing Your Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth serve as a place marker for adult teeth. While we are young, we have many growth spurts as we age. A full set of baby teeth will contain just 20 teeth. This leaves plenty of room around them for the permanent teeth to start to erupt when the time is right. As the adult teeth begin to erupt, so the baby teeth will start shedding.
Baby teeth will start to naturally fall out from around the age of six years old. The first teeth to go are usually the central incisors. The last of the baby teeth are generally shed around about the age of 12, with the cuspid and the second molar being among the last to go.
Why It Is Important To Care For Baby Teeth
There are many reasons why a child should adopt a healthy oral care routine at the earliest age possible. Firstly, while baby teeth fall out, and are replaced by adult teeth, they are still relevant and need to be looked after. Losing teeth through tooth decay at a young age could cause problems with the later development of the adult teeth.
Another primary reason for teaching children to brush their teeth as early as possible is that you are getting into habits that will last them a lifetime. If you can instill a strong oral hygiene habit in your child at a very young age, they will hopefully continue this throughout their life.
Taking Care Of Children’s Teeth
Even before the teeth start to break through in a baby’s mouth, their gums must be cleaned regularly. Bacteria will cling to their mouths, and this must be cleaned away. As your baby starts to grow teeth, these will need brushing.
Once your child is old enough to brush their teeth themselves, it is important to teach them the importance of thorough brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Making brushing a fun family exercise will mean that it becomes an enjoyable experience and not a chore.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Schedule an appointment with Sherman Oaks today for you and your family. Dr. Weyneth can help ensure all of your smiles are healthy and happy! We look forward to meeting you and helping you improve your smile.