A Parent’s Brief & Essential Guide to Baby Teeth

As parents, we eagerly anticipate and celebrate each of our child’s milestones—from their first words to their first steps, as well as everything else in between and beyond! This also includes the arrival of their first tooth, and then later, its departure from their mouth along with the rest of the baby teeth. Dental development is a significant and lengthy process that your child will go through, and understanding when to expect certain events can help you provide appropriate care and support. Here’s a brief guide from your trusted pediatric dentist about baby teeth, including when they typically emerge as well as when they most often fall out.

The Emergence of the Baby Teeth

Baby teeth typically begin to emerge between the ages of 6 and 10 months, although the exact timing can vary from child to child. The first set of teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, followed by the upper ones. By age three, most children have a full set of primary teeth, which includes incisors, canines, and molars!

The Departure of the Baby Teeth

The process of baby teeth falling out usually begins around the age of 6, and often continues for a few years. This process occurs simultaneously with the eruption of the permanent teeth, and the baby teeth must be shed to make way for the former. Though the order can vary, most children shed their incisors first, followed by their molars and canines, and finally their wisdom teeth (which aren’t technically baby teeth, and also require a little help from their dentist).

Tips for Helping Your Child Keep Their Baby Teeth Healthy

Even though the lifespan of baby teeth is relatively short in the grand scheme of things, that doesn’t mean caring for them should be neglected. In fact, baby teeth are susceptible to all of the same problems that adult teeth are! That said, here are some tips to ensure that your child is taking great care of theirs, no matter if they’re emerging or departing:

• Schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first birthday, and continue with regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. This allows their dentist to monitor their dental development closely and address issues before they have the chance to worsen.
• Encourage a proper oral hygiene regimen at home—your child needs to be brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, in addition to flossing. If they’re too young to brush on their own, provide assistance as needed; instilling the correct techniques early on is fundamental!
• You should also try to provide a healthy diet for your child; eating lots of foods rich in calcium and low in sugars can promote a bright and problem-free smile! Also be sure that they’re drinking plenty of water, in favor of sugary and acidic drinks.

Understanding the natural progression of dental development in children allows parents to provide the right support at the right time. By keeping track of these milestones and encouraging good oral hygiene, as parents, we play a crucial role in setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles in our kiddos!

About the Practice

Here at Ralph Avenue Dental Care, we go above and beyond to provide patients and families in the Brooklyn, NY community with an unrivaled level of dental care! We’re excited to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services for patients both young and old. If you have any questions about the blog or believe it’s time to bring your little one in for a checkup, don’t hesitate to contact our team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (718) 531-0300.