About Children's Teeth

Which teeth appear first?

This can vary, but in general, the two lower center teeth appear first. The two upper center teeth follow. The same pattern occurs when losing primary (baby) teeth and again when the permanent (adult) teeth appear.

What can I do to relieve teething discomfort?

Most discomfort occurs as a tooth is pushing through the gums. This typically can be seen as a red, swollen area. The goal is to get the tooth through the gums. Teething rings work well for this purpose. There are many types and designs. Find one that works well for each child. For short-term pain relief, rub Oragel on the swelling. For long-term pain relief, give the child an approved over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

Should parents be concerned if other children have teeth, but their child doesn’t?

Relax. Eruption time of teeth is highly variable. While some children may get their first tooth at 4 months of age, some may not until 8 months of age. The same is true when they begin to lose their primary teeth. Some children may lose their first tooth at age 4, while others may not until age 5. Most children continue losing primary teeth until age 12. At this time all or most of the permanent teeth have usually come in.

Is there any way to prevent cavities in children?

Two factors contribute to a child getting a cavity. One is plaque on the tooth; the other is frequency of eating or drinking. Remove the plaque with a washcloth or a toothbrush. This should be done after every meal or as often as you like. Regular feeding times prevent too frequent eating or drinking. Because plaque forms on the tooth readily, be sure to limit the bottle, sipping cup, and snacks.

When should a child visit the dentist?

One year old is recommended. Ideally, it is best for the child to visit the dentist prior to any dental problems so he/she can learn to associate the dentist and dental office positively. Prevention of any issues is best done as early as possible. At this visit, the dentist can examine the development of the child’s mouth and recommend and care that may prevent problems in the future, such as baby bottle tooth decay, gum disease, and prolonged thumb sucking.

How long should children use a pacifier or suck his or her thumb?

It is best for children to avoid using a pacifier. However, if a child does use a pacifier, limiting its use and removing it as soon as possible will help. Most children in need of braces can be traced back to the use of a pacifier. The same applies to thumb sucking.

Should children have their cavities fixed in baby teeth?

Yes. Fixing the cavities will prevent toothaches for a child. If a tooth is lost early because it needs to be extracted, the space it holds for the permanent tooth is lost. This may cause the need for braces in the future. Oftentimes, a space maintainer will be recommended by your dentist to hold the space until the permanent tooth erupts.

Are dental sealants necessary for children?

Dental sealants are highly recommended because they can protect a tooth from getting a cavity. Once a child’s permanent tooth has fully erupted, then a dental sealant should be placed on that tooth. A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities. Placing a dental sealant is painless. It lasts anywhere from 5 to 10 years, and it is important to consider that the cost of a dental sealant is less than getting a tooth filled that has a cavity. Additionally, teeth with cavities, even when fixed by a dentist are more likely to need additional dental work down the road.