The dental examination of your child will help us determine the following points:
As dental professionals we believe in preventative dental care and encourage our patients to bring their children to the practice from an early age. Regular check-ups from a young age will ensure children don’t suffer from untreated dental decay with devastating effects to their growing dentition. There are a number of preventative treatments that our team can provide for children:
Prevention is always better than cure, so call the practice today to make an appointment for your child.
The importance of diet
Avoiding giving a baby or a young child unnecessary sugars is a good way to establish healthy eating patterns to protect every child’s teeth for life. Milk and water are the only drinks that should be put into a baby’s bottle.
The importance of cleaning teeth
Plaque will start to form on a child’s teeth and gums as soon as the first tooth appears (erupts). So, it is very important to begin a suitable toothbrushing routine as soon as possible. The brushing routine that is established with a child at an early age should continue throughout their life.
Weaning & Teething
The timing of the eruption of the first teeth can vary widely from three months to as late as 11 or 12 months. This is perfectly normal but, if there are any concerns about the late eruption of teeth, this should be discussed with the dentist. The first teeth to appear are usually the central lower teeth (incisors).
Teething and Eruption Dates
The exact dates will vary from child to child, but the following guide will give some idea of what to expect. Permanent tooth development in girls maybe more advanced than in boys.
Primary, Baby or Deciduous Teeth | |
|---|---|
3-6 months | Central lower incisors erupt |
9-12 months | All front incisors now present |
12 months | First primary molars |
18 months | Primary canines |
2 years | Second primary molars |
Adult or Permanent Teeth | |
|---|---|
About 6 years | Lower central incisors replaced. First lower permanent (adult) molar erupts (6-year molar). These appear behind the primary molars at the back of the mouth |
9 years | Canines replaced |
11/12 years | Permanent pre-molars replace primary molars |
12 years | Second molars erupt |
16 years + | Wisdom teeth erupt |
