Childrens Dental Health Month

It is Children’s Dental Health Month so we thought we would highlight some of our favorite fun facts about children’s teeth.

Did you know?

• Children first smile around 2 months of age. While they may not have teeth yet, their gummy grin is a joy for parents to see!
• Children’s teeth start to grow before they are even born.
• On average, children start to get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. The first teeth to appear are the lower central incisors.
• Children lose their first tooth around the age of 6 years and will continue to lose teeth until about the age of 12 years.
• The first baby teeth to fall out tend to be the lower central incisors (the first ones that came in!).
• According to a U.S. poll, the tooth fairy leaves on average $3.70 per lost baby tooth.
• Children have 20 “baby teeth.” The adult set will have 32 teeth in total.
• Everyone’s teeth are different! You have a unique set of teeth, and you could even be identified by your dental records.
• Children should see a pediatric dentist for an exam when their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday.
• Children should see an orthodontist for an evaluation by the age of 7. Learn about the benefits of an early orthodontic evaluation on this blog!

You should start to “brush” your baby’s teeth by wiping the gums with a wet washcloth. This practice helps your child to become comfortable with brushing and helps to build dental care into their daily routine. As your baby develops teeth, be sure to gently brush the teeth with a baby toothbrush.

Children should brush their teeth two times a day using fluoride toothpaste. Parents should watch and check their children’s brushing until they are certain children are effectively brushing their teeth clean. It is also important to floss one time a day to clean in between the teeth and remove any stuck food. If you have any questions about your child’s dental health, be sure to check with their pediatric dentist.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s needs for orthodontic treatment, contact Dr. Barden and his team for a consultation at 414-962-1281.

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