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Growth and Development
: Common Questions about Tooth Development
in Babies and Children
When do teeth first form?
Teeth begin to form even before a baby is born. The first tooth
usually erupts through the gum by the 6th to 7th month, but some
children may not get their first tooth until after the age of
12 months. Usually, the lower teeth grow out before the upper
teeth. By 18 months, babies usually have 12 teeth and by 3 years,
all 20 of the primary teeth will have erupted.
When does teething start and what can be done?
Babies often have symptoms of drooling even a month or two before
the first tooth erupts. While teething, they may be uncomfortable
or more irritable. This can be soothed by offering them a government
approved "one- piece teething ring" (cold is better). If a baby
is still very uncomfortable, acetaminophen drops(Tylenol, Tempra)as
directed, may help. Gels that are available for teething pain
relief should not be used as they contain a freezing (anaesthetic)
medication that if swallowed or goes into the throat area, may
be dangerous for the child.
Does teething cause fever or other symptoms?
Many myths exist about what other symptoms teething can cause,
ranging from high fever to a cold, to diarrhea. It is currently
believed that these are not caused by teething. If indeed these
symptoms are present, especially fever, they should not be assumed
to be due to teething. Parents should consult their pediatrician
for these symptoms even if the child is teething at the same time.
Why do babies get primary teeth?
Although primary or baby teeth are not permanent they do play
an important role, as they are necessary for chewing and eating,
provide space (and guide) permanent teeth into position and allow
the jaw bones and muscles to develop normally. Also, some teeth
especially the molars are not replaced until the teenage years
and so they will serve a child for 10 years or more.
When should baby's teeth be brushed and flossed?
Oral hygiene and care is essential. As soon a teeth develop they
should be cleaned daily with a wet gauze or wash cloth. Review
proper tooth brushing techniques with your dentist, and be sure
that your child can brush properly before allowing him/her to
brush on their own. As long as the spaces between the teeth are
wide enough to allow the toothbrush access, flossing is not necessary.
As soon as the spaces between the teeth are tight enough to allow
it regular, daily flossing should also begin.
What about cavity prevention?
The development of dental caries depends more on how often a child
consumes sugary foods rather than the exact amount. In children
who still drink form the bottle one of the most important causes
of caries is putting them to bed with a bottle. Both juice and
milk contain sugar, which remains on the babies teeth over-night
resulting in the formation of "Nursing Bottle Caries", usually
in the upper teeth. Modifying the diet to decrease the frequency
of sugar consumption is very important. Bottle fed children, should
never be put to bed with the bottle. If this is not possible,
at least give them water at naptime or bed time. Also, baby's
pacifier should not be dipped in sweet liquids.
Are fluoride drops necessary?
Fluoride is the most effective measure against dental caries and
depending on local fluoride levels in the drinking water, children
may need additional supplementation. Your local municipality should
be able to tell you the amount of fluoride in your drinking water.
Knowing this, your doctor can then decide if and when supplementation
is needed and how much. This is important as we do not want to
give too much fluoride to children.
When can toothpaste be used?
When brushing teeth in older children, toothpaste (which contains
fluoride) should be put sparingly on the toothbrush, the size
of a pea and no larger; as again we want to avoid excessive fluoride
ingestion. For the same reason, begin using toothpaste only when
your child is old enough to understand not to swallow it.
When should baby visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry currently recommendeds that the
first dental visit be scheduled at 1 year of age or 6 months after the first tooth erupts....which-ever comes first.
This gives the dentist the opportunity to examine
for existing problems/caries, assess overall oral hygeine and health
and look for any abnormalities in the dental
development. The first visit, in general is a "Get to know one
another visit". Obviously if there is an injury to the teeth or
if there are signs of discoloration or tooth decay a Pediatric
dentist should be seen earlier.
Other Growth and Development
Topics
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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