At Dental Solutions of Columbus, we love the ability to help whole families ensure their teeth are healthy and strong. We know that parents often have many questions about the health and development of their kids’ teeth, so today we want to spend some time answering some frequently asked questions and help you check to make sure your child’s teeth are developing properly.
When Will My Infant Get Their First Tooth?
Typically, babies get their first tooth at around six months of age. Lower teeth will appear before their upper counterparts and teeth tend to appear in the following order: central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. Your child should have their first dental visit around the time they get their first tooth or by one year of age, whichever comes first. Keep in mind that there is a wide range of “normal” when it comes to your child’s tooth development: some children develop their first tooth after just a few months, while others may not get their first tooth until they are over a year old.
Caring for Primary Teeth
By the age of three, most children have received their full set of 20 primary teeth. While you might think that caring for primary teeth is not that important because they will ultimately be replaced, nothing could be further from the truth! It is important to develop good oral hygiene habits from a young age, as poor oral hygiene with primary teeth can affect the development and health of permanent teeth.
Ensure that your child regularly brushes and flosses their teeth – you’ll need to supervise them until you’re confident they can handle it on their own! Your child should brush their teeth twice every day for two minutes and floss each day.
Permanent Teeth & Beyond
Around age six, your child will begin losing their primary teeth as their permanent teeth begin to come in. By the age of thirteen, most children will have their full set of adult teeth (minus their wisdom teeth, or third molars that develop between the ages of 17 and 21).
To ensure that your child’s teeth develop properly, you should have a good at-home oral hygiene routine as well as regular visits to our office. Please contact our office to ask our team any questions or to schedule your next appointment.