About Pediatric Dentistry
Children’s Dental Health
At birth people usually have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which typically erupt starting at about six months of age. They are then shed at various times throughout childhood. By age 21, all 32 permanent teeth have usually erupted.
Primary Teeth Eruption Chart
Permanent Teeth Eruption Chart
Oral Health Problems in ChildrenThere are a number of problems affecting the oral health of children, including tooth decay, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and early tooth loss. Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced with permanent teeth, maintaining baby teeth health is important to a child’s overall health and well-being. Sealants A sealant can help protect teeth from cavities. Sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (pits and fissures) of the teeth. Fluoride The fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth since the acids from bacteria in dental tartar and plaque will have weakened the surfaces. It is best not to eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes after the fluoride has been applied. |