Baby Teeth, Tooth Eruption, Cavity Prevention

Primary "Baby" Teeth Development

Functions of primary “baby” teeth:
- help a child to learn how to speak properly
- help to build a child’s self-esteem (appearance)
- guide jaw growth and maintain the space for the permanent teeth
- important for feeding and nutrition (biting and chewing)
Primary teeth development begins early in pregnancy (6 weeks in-utero), so good maternal prenatal care is important since the mother’s nutrition, general health, medications and oral health can affect tooth development.
At birth, the infant has deep in its jaws all the primary teeth and some of the partially formed permanent teeth.

Tooth Eruption - the emergence of teeth into the mouth (see the primary "baby" teeth chart with average ages.)

The first baby teeth that normally come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. On an average, you will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby's teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.

At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don't. Don't worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different. Females have a tendency of an earlier eruption pattern than males. Eruption is also influenced by genetics and family history.

{Important Reminder: Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance.}

There’s little evidence of a relationship between teething and systemic illness. Teething problems may be treated with application of a cold soothing teething ring or a cold rag.
Eruption is usually symmetrical and delays of more than 6-12 months should be evaluated. Early or delayed loss of primary teeth can be a concern.
At about the same time the first primary teeth begin to exfoliate ("fall out"), the first permanent molars (six year old molars) may be erupting.

Remember, early tooth loss caused by dental decay has been associated with failure to thrive, impaired speech development, absence from and inability to concentrate in school, and reduced self-esteem. If a child is in suffering pain from a dental problem, it may affect the child’s school attendance, mental and social well-being while at school.

Photos

Happy Teeth!

Effective toothbrushing disrupts the colonization of bacteria on the tooth. Toothbrushing, fluoride, and proper diet—all contribute to healthy teeth.

White Spot Lesions

This enamel has begun to demineralize or dissolve. With proper tooth cleaning and fluoride applications, this process can be reversed. Application of fluoride varnish will aid in the remineralization (reversal) of this enamel lesion.

Early Caries

A dental visit is needed.

Severe Caries

If you see this, the child needs a dental visit as soon as possible. Monitor the "gums" for evidence of a swelling (infection).

Cavity Prevention

Tips for Cavity Prevention:

Limit Frequency of meals and snacks.
Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing after meals (use Xylitol).
Watch what you drink.
Avoid sticky foods.
Make treats part of meals.
Choose nutritious snacks.

FAQ

What is a Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist)?

In the same way that pediatricians are trained to meet a child's medical needs, pediatric dental specialists are uniquely qualified to protect your child's oral health using the most advanced techniques... in a delightfully friendly open treatment area. Pediatric dentists have an additional 2-3 years of training at university and/or hospital pediatric facilities in addition to 4 years of dental school and 4 years of college study. The training emphasis focuses on the study of children’s growth and developmental milestones as it relates to oral health. They learn how to deal with the behavioral aspects of children, how to make them feel comfortable, and to make the experience pleasant. Also, they are trained and qualified to treat special needs patients.

What dental problems could my child have?

Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is tooth decay. Another problem is gum disease. About 40% of children 2-3 years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as thumb-sucking) should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly and feel good about his or her appearance.

Why are baby teeth so important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth and other areas in the body. Also, your child's general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren't treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for years.

What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?

We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have a radar for these things). A child-friendly dental book reading is recommended. Have fun going through it with your child. Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

What about preventative care?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care such as:

Preventive check-ups with proper oral hygiene instructions
Fluoride treatment to protect enamel
Nutrition counseling customized to your child’s needs
Sealants - plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay prone back teeth.

These are just one of the many ways we will set the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.

What about sterilization and control of infections in our office?

Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern. After each patient's visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat- sterilized all non-disposable instruments. Our waterlines are purged daily. We protect all surfaces during your child’s exam. Our staff wear gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of you and your children.

Tooth Decay ("rotting of teeth")

Dental cavities are the result of a bacterial infection which is transmissible. Most of the time cavities are due to a high frequency of meals/snacks and a lack of appropriate oral hygiene.

Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their foods the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.

Consistency and flow of a person's saliva also makes a difference, thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn leads to more of the acid-producing bacteria that causes cavities.

Children who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during this feeding, the teeth can decay quickly.

Here are some tips to avoid tooth decay in children:

Mothers should reduce their own oral bacterial infection through dental care and effective oral home care during prenatal and postnatal periods.
Avoid propping a bottle in the crib.
Avoid excessive nighttime bottle or breastfeeding.
Try comforting the child with a pacifier or favorite toy or blanket instead of using the bottle or breast as a pacifier.
Clean a child's teeth as soon as they erupt and after each feeding. Parents should use a damp cloth or a toothbrush to clean the teeth. Cleaning a child's teeth remains the parent's responsibility into the preschool years.
Check teeth regularly for any chalky white or brown spots that could be the beginning of decay especially around the gumline.
Bring the child to the dentist whenever a dental problem is suspected.
A child's first visit to the dentist should be made by the first birthday or six months after the first tooth erupts.

Q. Can my child’s diet affect dental health?

A. Absolutely. It is important that you initiate a balanced diet for your child so that their teeth develop appropriately. In addition, this will positively affect healthy gum tissue surrounding the teeth. A daily diet includes the major food groups of Meat, Fish and Eggs, Vegetables and Fruits, Breads and Cereals as well as Milk and Other Dairy Products (See the Food Guide Pyramid). Please note that a diet high in sugar and other forms of carbohydrates may increase the probability of tooth decay. Sugar is found in more than just candy. All types of sugars can promote tooth decay. For example, most milk-based products contain sugar. A Peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a favorite for bag lunches. Unfortunately, it includes sugar not only in the jelly, but also in the peanut butter. (See the Hidden Sugar Chart). Foods that stick to teeth are also more difficult to wash away by water, saliva or other drinks. Dairy products, especially cheese/yogurt are encouraged to be eaten with meals/snacks to balance the sugar breakdown. If frequent feedings are needed, then clean your child’s mouth after it or use Xylitol products often.

Q. What are sealants?

A. A Dental Sealant refers to a plastic coating placed into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth as a means of helping to prevent the formation of tooth decay. In many cases, it is near impossible for children to clean the tiny grooves in the back teeth. When a sealant is applied, the surface of the tooth is somewhat flatter and smoother. There are no longer any places on the chewing part of the tooth that the bristles of a toothbrush can't reach and clean. Since plaque can be removed more easily and effectively, there is much less chance that decay will start.

Learn more about Sealants

Q. What is the life expectancy of tooth sealants?

A. The longevity of tooth sealants can vary. Sealants which have remained in place for three to five years would be considered successful, however, sealants can last much longer. It is not uncommon to see sealants placed during childhood still intact on the teeth of adults. The doctor will check your child’s sealants during routine dental visits and will recommend repair or reapplication when necessary.

Q. Which teeth should be sealed?

A. Any tooth that has characteristics of retaining un-cleansable plaque which a dental sealant can correct, and thus place the tooth at less risk for developing decay, should be sealed. The most common teeth for a dentist to seal are a child’s "back" teeth, and of these teeth the molars are the most common teeth on which dental sealants are placed. The recommendation for sealants should be considered on a case by case basis.

Q. What is the procedure for placing sealants?

A. Generally the procedure takes just one visit. Placing dental sealants can be a very easy process. The tooth is cleaned, conditioned and dried. The sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth where it is hardened with a special blue light. The sealant is then buffed down. All normal activities can occur directly after the appointment.

Q. How important is brushing and flossing after sealants are applied?

A. It is just as important for your child to brush and floss their teeth. Sealants are only one part of the defensive plan against tooth decay.