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Dr. Laura Durham

Moms and Dads,  having children and balancing work, family and home can be a challenge! We can help with the dental part of your childrens' lives by making their dental visits as positive as possible and by addressing any questions or concerns you have. Here are some facts about dental development based on age.  If after reading this you would like more information, please don't hesitate to call our office at 770-412-8636, and we will be more than happy to help!

 

Newborn-2 years

So many things happen during these first two years of your child's development,  including teething.  It is normal for your child to begin teething anywhere from 3 months to 12 months of age. You may notice excessive fussiness, decreased appetite, drooling, and swollen gums. There are several different things you can do to help with any discomfort, including pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin, Orajel and teething rings. Your baby's lower front teeth will most likely be the first to come through.

The first dental visit should be by age 1 or when the first tooth comes in.


3-5 years


By the time your child is about 3 years old, he/she should have all 20 baby, or primary, teeth. These teeth are very important for chewing, proper jaw growth and holding space for the permanent teeth. It is very important to take good care of these teeth because they will be part of your child's health for a long time. Although the permanent front teeth come in earlier,  the teeth in the back sometimes are not replaced until age 14. An adult needs to brush and floss for the child until he or she has the skill to do these tasks independently. If your main water source is well water,  a fluoride supplement will be needed.


6-11 years

The first Tooth Fairy visit usually is for a lower front tooth and comes between the ages of 6 and 7. However, any time between ages 4 and 8 is normal. Your child will usually be the first to know when a tooth is loose because he/she can feel it moving. Typically this time is also when your child's 6 year molars will begin to come through. These molars will come in behind the existing baby teeth, and you should watch for them so that you can be sure to brush farther back.  When they are all the way through the gums,  we can put a protective coating called a sealant on them to prevent cavities.


12-adult

Your child's 12 year molars will most often begin to come in between ages 11 and 13. Again,  watch for these teeth and make sure they get brushed and flossed.  They will also need sealants when they are fully through the gums.

Although there are certain circumstances in which braces are needed earlier, these years are also when most children will get them if orthodontics is necessary.

Wisdom teeth usually have to be removed sometime in the later teen years.


Parents, you can also visit www.mouthhealthy.org for more dental information.