How the oral cavity develops from infancy through childhood
Table of Expected Ages for the Emergence and Loss of Baby Teeth | ||
Tooth | Age at Emergence | Age at Loss |
Upper deciduous teeth |
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Central incisors | 8 – 12 months | 6 – 7 years |
Lateral incisors | 9 – 13 months | 7 – 8 years |
Canines | 16 – 22 months | 10 – 12 years |
First molars | 13 – 19 months | 9 – 11 years |
Secondary molars | 25 – 33 months | 10 – 12 years |
Lower deciduous teeth |
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Central incisors | 6 – 10 months | 6 – 7 years |
Lateral incisors | 10 – 16 months | 7 – 8 years |
Canines | 17 – 23 months | 9 – 12 years |
First molars | 14 – 18 months | 9 – 11 years |
Secondary molars | 23 – 31 months | 10 – 12 years |
Dental caries can appear very early due to microbes which act in combination with carbohydrates and sugar to cause progressive tooth decay.
Gingivitis is also a common pathology in children’s gums, causing bleeding with brushing, reddening and swelling.
A child’s first visitto the dentist should be early so that parents can be informed about nutrition and products available for dental hygiene.
Habits such as long-term thumb sucking, which can cause orthodontic problems in the future, should be examined.
Learning about dental hygiene in a pleasant atmospherewill help children to have a positive attitude towards taking care of their teeth and towards the dentist.
For healthy gums and teeth a child needs:
1) Proper and regular brushing
2) Reduced sugar intake
3) Regular fluoride treatments and the use of fluoride-containing mouth rinses
4) Filling of dental pits and fissures with sealant
Sealantis the preventive coating of dental pits and fissures. It’s colorless or white layers of material (like varnish) which are applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The purpose is to protect the hard-to-brush pits and fissures in teeth where tooth decay generally starts.
Brushing should initially be done with help from the parents. Toothbrush use at an early age lays the foundation for making a habit of good dental hygiene.