Pediatric Dentistry

Childhood Concerns

As toddlers advance into childhood, many parents need guidance to help their children develop good oral hygiene habits and get the nutrition they need. Oftentimes, parents also have questions about tooth development, sealants and fluoride, when to schedule dental visits, and when to consider braces. Our expert family and cosmetic dentists, Drs. DiStefano and Nguyen, address the answers to common questions like these below.

When should I expect my child's teeth to come in?

Baby teeth can come in as early as four months, with all 20 of the baby teeth appearing by age three. The order and timing of each tooth varies by individual. Permanent teeth begin appearing near age six and generally continue to come in until age 21.

How should I care for my toddler's baby teeth?

When your child's teeth begin to appear, you can begin to gently brush them using a simple back and forth motion. In addition, you should avoid baby tooth decay by not putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The prolonged exposure to the sugar can cause decay early on.

When should I schedule my child's first dental visit?

According to the American Dental Association, the first visit should take place around age one. This is so the dentist can examine your child's dental health early on and help you identify if your child is at risk for baby tooth decay.

What foods should my children eat to help them develop healthy teeth?

Snacks with high sugar content, or candy that is digested in the mouth for large periods of time (i.e. suckers) can lead to tooth decay. You should make sure your children are eating nutritious snacks instead, such as vegetables, fruits, and low-fat yogurts and cheese.

How important are sealants and fluoride?

They are both very important. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. Sealants protect teeth from plaque and acids on the tooth's surface, which is where most cavities originate.

When will I know if my child needs braces?

It varies with every individual, but most children get braces between the ages of eight and 14. During this age range, the teeth can be easily straightened because the head and mouth are still growing.

Development of the Teeth at Age Seven

This is a typical seven-year-old child:

• The adult first molars are being used for chewing and grinding.
• The upper font teeth have erupted.
• There will be a slight space in between the right and left front teeth until the a few more upper teeth erupt. This space should disappear with time.

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth at Age Eight

This is a normal eight year-old child:

• This child is still developing roots for the lower front teeth
• The adult first molars are almost completely formed.
• The teeth directly next to the lower front teeth are starting to erupt but will not be completely formed for some time.

 

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth at Age Nine

This picture is an example of a nine year-old child's mouth and teeth:

• All of the teeth that have erupted through the gum tissue are almost completely finished forming their roots.
• The teeth next to the upper font teeth are almost completely finished erupting. teeth.
• Those teeth that haven't yet made their appearance are busily dissolving the roots of the remaining primary

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth at Age Ten

This is a normal and healthy ten year-old child's tooth development:

• As the picture indicates, the lower canine tooth and upper first premolar will be arriving shortly. It is very common to see crowding at this stage in a child's development. This may be an indication that an orthodontist consultation is required.

 

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth at Age Eleven

This is a photograph of an eleven year-old child's mouth and teeth.

• All of the primary teeth should have been replaced by adult teeth.
• There may be gaps and spaces with teeth that have not yet erupted.
• The first molars, or six-year molars, are completely finished forming.
• Other teeth shall be erupting shortly.

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth at Age Twelve

This photograph demonstrates the development of a twelve year-old child.

• All of the teeth begin to fill in the spaces and gaps.
• The only teeth yet to form are the wisdom teeth (third molars).
• All root development is coming to a close.

 

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth Age Thirteen

This is a typical thirteen year-old child.

• All teeth have now erupted, and are now in function except for the second molars.
• Space closure and root development are essential at this point!
• The third molars are the last to develop and erupt. They usually start to come into view around the age of 18.

 

 

 

Development of the Teeth Young Adult

This is the mouth of a young adult. All teeth are in occlusion and function. This is our last stage of development. At this point, all spaces should be closed giving the young adult a very straight and beautiful smile.

" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "

If you would like to learn more or schedule a visit for your child with Drs. DiStefano or Nguyen, please contact us today! We are committed to providing you with the best family and cosmetic dentistry services available in the Lansing area.