Learn a few important facts about your child’s permanent teeth.
As a parent, it’s been a long time since your permanent teeth grew in. So while your child loses their baby teeth and begins the transition to growing in their permanent teeth, you may find yourself unsure of where to start when it comes to caring for their new teeth. It’s important to understand how the loss of baby teeth and the growth of permanent teeth will change your child’s dental care needs. Here are some important facts about your child’s permanent teeth.
The Role of Baby Teeth
What’s cuter than a child losing their front teeth? Your child may be excited about their goofy new smile or experiencing the growing pains that come with teething all over again. It’s likely been a long time since their “baby teeth” grew in–these primary teeth usually come in by the age of 2 or 3, in a set of 20. This holds room in the development of their jaws for their adult teeth and helps them to chew solid food in early childhood. Children usually start to lose their primary teeth around 5 in order to make way for their 32 permanent teeth.
Transitioning to Permanent Teeth
Permanent teeth won’t grow in all at once. In fact, many of your child’s frontmost teeth will grow in before their molars. The wisdom teeth, however, are the furthest back, and usually won’t grow in until the ages of 17-21, if at all. Oftentimes, dentists may recommend the wisdom teeth, or “third molars,” be removed if there isn’t enough room in the jaw. Problems can occur when it comes to growing in permanent teeth if there has been significant tooth or jaw damage, such as in the case of an injury, that may require specialized dental care.
Caring for Permanent Teeth
Your child will rely on their permanent teeth throughout their adult life, so it’s important to stress good dental hygiene and dental care. Be sure to get them started on healthy habits like brushing twice a day, flossing each day, and visiting the dentist twice a year. Many children will experience anxiety about visiting the dentist, but with good dental care habits, they will understand the importance of preventing tooth decay and gum disease, among other problems that may impact their permanent teeth. Not only will this help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, but it will also help to instill good dental health throughout their life.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, or Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!