Watching your child's smile develop is a joy of being a parent. From baby teeth to their permanent teeth, the development of healthy teeth is important to maintaining your child's beautiful smile. Understanding how teeth develop and what kind of care they need, in addition to routine trips to the dentist, is a key aspect of proper dental care.

Childhood Teeth Development

Primary Teeth

Primary teeth are the very first teeth people develop, also called baby teeth. These usually begin to break through gums, during the teething process, when children are about 6 months. Primary teeth will continue to come in until children are about three years old. Typically, bottom teeth come in before their corresponding top row teeth, by a couple of months.

If you notice teeth coming in unexpected patterns or seeming in a more random order, it's best to consult your dentist. This may be a sign of an infection or lack of space for teeth to grow.

Children lose their primary teeth starting at around age 6 when their permanent molars begin to come in. Because the teeth are eventually lost, it might seem less necessary to practice good dental hygiene in baby teeth. However, keeping healthy teeth and gums is vital at any age and will help your children's permanent teeth grow more successfully.

Starting with your baby's first tooth, you should begin gently brushing twice a day without toothpaste. At a year old, you should schedule your child's first visit to the dentist's office. At 18 months of age, you can begin adding small amounts of toothpaste to the brushing routine.

Permanent Teeth

Around age 6, permanent molars begin to erupt through the gums. As primary teeth fall out, they are replaced with permanent teeth such as incisors, canines, and premolars. By age 21, your child will have developed a full set of 32 teeth, with wisdom teeth developing last.

Permanent teeth require even more attention and care. Encourage healthy dental routines in your child, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing after every meal, and having routine dental cleanings.

Limiting sugary drinks, such as soda, will also help keep cavities and other dental issues away. Additionally, your child should always use a mouth guard to protect teeth when they play sports--as this is the most likely place for dental injuries to occur. 

If you notice any issues with your children's teeth or their development as they grow in, such as overlapping teeth or teeth that seem to be growing crooked, you should always talk with your dentist as soon as you or your child notice the issue.

To schedule a dental cleaning or talk about your child's dental development, contact Kaimuki Dental Group in Honolulu, HI. Their team believes in providing exceptional care to each and every client. They offer a wide array of dental services and work to make sure each patient's unique needs are met with expertise. To schedule an appointment, call them at (808) 737-7905. You can also meet their team on their website.