Ask Your Family Dentist In Liverpool About Baby And Permanent Teeth

Every family dentist in Liverpool is focused on improving the dental health of the whole family. Here is some useful information on the development of children’s teeth and how to keep them healthy.

When babies are born, all twenty of their baby teeth are already formed. At around 6 months, these teeth will start to erupt. This continues for the next two and a half to three years until all the teeth have emerged.

In the meantime, the permanent teeth are growing inside the jaw, waiting for their turn to come out. This starts when the child is around five to six years of age. By the age of twelve or thirteen, all baby teeth will have been replaced with 28 permanent teeth. The last four to surface are the third molars at the rear of the mouth (the wisdom teeth), bringing the total to 32.

How Important Are Baby Teeth?

As they are going to fall out anyway, you may think that these teeth are not important, but that is not true. They serve the obvious function of chewing, but they also act as placeholders in the growing jaw, keeping space for the permanent teeth to follow. 

They play a role in the development of facial muscles that define the shape of the face and that are used for smiling and speech.

Looking After Baby Teeth

From when they emerge, you should brush your child’s teeth twice a day.  Using a baby toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Try and prevent the swallowing of toothpaste.  Teach your child to spit as soon as possible.

Remember that sugar is a big enemy. Avoid allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugars that collect in their mouths can eat away the protective layer of enamel on the teeth. Also, limit or avoid sugary foods and encourage your child to rinse their mouth after eating such foods.

When your child can take over the brushing duties, continue to supervise to ensure that they are doing a good job and not swallowing toothpaste.

Regular appointments at your family dentists in Liverpool should start from around 1 year of age.

Looking After Permanent Teeth

The regular routines that you have established should be maintained. Continue using fluoride toothpaste and add flossing and rinsing with mouth wash, as recommended by your family dentist.

Ask about sealants that can be applied to the back teeth to make them more resistant to cavities. Replace toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months.

Ensure a healthy diet with limited intake of sugary foods, sweets and sweetened drinks.

For a caring, professional family dentist, contact Liverpool Dental Care today. We can answer all the questions about your child’s dental development and how to maintain the health of their teeth and gums. Click here to make an online booking.

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