 Children's teeth begin
forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary,
or baby, teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower
central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors.
Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and
order of their eruption varies.
Oral care should begin soon after baby's
birth. Gums should be cleaned after each feeding. You can begin
brushing your child's teeth as soon as they appear.
Permanent teeth
begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and
lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately
age 21.
Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up
to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
DENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Always clean your infant's gums
after feedings.
Wipe gums with a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad. Parents should
brush children's teeth daily with a soft wet toothbrush and no more
than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Schedule a dental
visit between 6-12 months of age. Brush at least once daily or as
directed by a dentist or physician. Do not swallow - use no more
than a pea-sized amount for children under six.
 To prevent nursing
bottle mouth, if you must give your baby a bottle at nap or bed
time, fill it with plain water-not milk, formula or juice.
Your dentist may recommend regular
fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and resist decay.
Whenever possible, drink fluoridated water and always use an
ADA-accepted fluoridated toothpaste.
Dental sealants can help
provide additional protection against cavities on the chewing
surfaces of teeth. The plastic coating is painted on the grooved
chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
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