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As toddlers advance into
childhood, many parents need
guidance to help their children
develop good oral hygiene habits
and get the nutrition they need.
Oftentimes, parents also have
questions about tooth
development, sealants and
fluoride, when to schedule
dental visits, and when to
consider braces. Our expert
family and cosmetic dentists,
address the answers to common
questions like these below.
When should I expect my
child's teeth to come in?
Baby teeth can come in as
early as four months, with all
20 of the baby teeth appearing
by age three. The order and
timing of each tooth varies by
individual. Permanent teeth
begin appearing near age six and
generally continue to come in
until age 21.
How should I care for my
toddler's baby teeth?
When your child's teeth
begin to appear, you can begin
to gently brush them using a
simple back and forth motion. In
addition, you should avoid baby
tooth decay by not putting your
child to bed with a bottle of
milk or juice. The prolonged
exposure to the sugar can cause
decay early on.
When should I schedule my
child's first dental visit?
According to the American
Dental Association, the first
visit should take place around
age one. This is so the dentist
can examine your child's dental
health early on and help you
identify if your child is at
risk for baby tooth decay.
What foods should my children
eat to help them develop healthy
teeth?
Snacks with high sugar
content, or candy that is
digested in the mouth for large
periods of time (i.e. suckers)
can lead to tooth decay. You
should make sure your children
are eating nutritious snacks
instead, such as vegetables,
fruits, and low-fat yogurts and
cheese.
How important are sealants
and fluoride?
They are both very
important. Fluoride strengthens
tooth enamel and makes teeth
more resistant to decay.
Sealants protect teeth from
plaque and acids on the tooth's
surface, which is where most
cavities originate.
When will I know if my child
needs braces?
It varies with every
individual, but most children
get braces between the ages of
eight and 14. During this age
range, the teeth can be easily
straightened because the head
and mouth are still growing.
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Development of
the Teeth at Age
Seven
This is a typical
seven-year-old
child:
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The adult first
molars are being
used for chewing
and grinding.
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The upper font
teeth have
erupted.
-
There will be a
slight space in
between the
right and left
front teeth
until the a few
more upper teeth
erupt. This
space should
disappear with
time.
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Development of
the Teeth at Age
Eight
This is a normal
eight year-old
child:
-
This child is
still developing
roots for the
lower front
teeth.
-
The adult first
molars are
almost
completely
formed.
-
The teeth
directly next to
the lower front
teeth are
starting to
erupt but will
not be
completely
formed for some
time.
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Development of
the Teeth at Age
Nine
This picture is an
example of a nine
year-old child's
mouth and teeth:
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All of the teeth
that have
erupted through
the gum tissue
are almost
completely
finished forming
their roots.
-
The teeth next
to the upper
font teeth are
almost
completely
finished
erupting. teeth.
-
Those teeth that
haven't yet made
their appearance
are busily
dissolving the
roots of the
remaining
primary
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Development of
the Teeth at Age Ten
This is a normal and
healthy ten year-old
child's tooth
development:
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Development of
the Teeth at Age
Eleven
This is a photograph
of an eleven
year-old child's
mouth and teeth.
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All of the
primary teeth
should have been
replaced by
adult teeth.
-
There may be
gaps and spaces
with teeth that
have not yet
erupted.
-
The first
molars, or
six-year molars,
are completely
finished
forming.
-
Other teeth
shall be
erupting
shortly.
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Development of
the Teeth at Age
Twelve
This photograph
demonstrates the
development of a
twelve year-old
child.
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All of the teeth
begin to fill in
the spaces and
gaps.
-
The only teeth
yet to form are
the wisdom teeth
(third molars).
-
All root
development is
coming to a
close.
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Development of
the Teeth at Age
Thirteen
This is a typical
thirteen year-old
child.
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All teeth have
now erupted, and
are now in
function except
for the second
molars.
-
Space closure
and root
development are
essential at
this point!
-
The third molars
are the last to
develop and
erupt. They
usually start to
come into view
around the age
of 18.
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Development of
the Teeth of a young
adult
This is the mouth of
a young adult. All
teeth are in
occlusion and
function. This is
our last stage of
development. At this
point, all spaces
should be closed
giving the young
adult a very
straight and
beautiful smile. |
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