The Facts About Baby Teeth

Baby teeth will begin to come in around the age of four months, and they will all have come in more than likely by the age of three.  Children will then go on through adolescence and begin to lose them around the age of six or seven, and they will be replaced by the permanent ones.  Every child is unique, so this may happen at different stages and ages.  There is nothing to be alarmed about if a child doesn’t fall into this particular schedule.  If there are questions or concerns, the parent can discuss this with the family dentist.

Primary Teeth

Baby teeth are also referred to as primary teeth.  They are extremely important in a child’s overall oral health and development because they act as place keepers in the gum and jaw for the permanent ones that will take their place in a few years.  This is why a child’s oral health is important, starting at birth.

The American Dental Association, or the ADA, recommends that a child be seen by a dentist within six months of the first baby teeth appearing.  It goes on to recommend that this first visit absolutely take place before the child turns one year of age.  The American Dental Association also recommends that a child have regular brushings twice a day from the time the first baby teeth appear.  This is important whether a child is bottle feeding or breast feeding, especially at bed time.

If all of these recommendations are followed along with regular checkups with the dentist, then a child is off on the right path to superior oral health from an early age.  This is important because a healthy mouth is important.