Children's Teeth
It is important to care for children’s teeth from the moment they first appear, which are the primary (temporary) teeth until they fall out and permanent teeth emerge. Taking care of children’s teeth, whether they are primary or permanent, helps ensure good oral health and maintains a beautiful appearance of the teeth.
The Emergence of Primary Teeth (Teething)
Primary teeth begin to form during pregnancy, as teeth are shaped within the gums in the womb. It is important for the mother to ensure she is consuming vitamins and healthy foods under the supervision of a doctor to guarantee the future health of the child’s teeth. At birth, the child has 20 teeth hidden beneath the gums. Primary teeth usually begin to emerge between the 4th and 6th month of the child’s life, though the timing may vary from one child to another. Typically, the lower and upper front teeth are the first to appear, and the child may experience sleep disturbances, mood swings, and mouth pain during this period.
From 2 to 3 years old, the primary teeth gradually emerge fully, and by the age of 3, they are complete. At around 6 years old, primary teeth begin to fall out to make way for permanent teeth, with the timing of the emergence of permanent teeth differing between children.
Primary teeth are essential for the child’s health, as they help with chewing food, laughing, and speaking normally.
Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay occurs in the outer layer of the teeth, known as enamel, and can lead to its destruction or the formation of cavities within the teeth. Tooth decay is one of the most common problems in children, whether in primary or permanent teeth. Bacteria cause the decay, which forms due to the accumulation of sugars and starches on the teeth.
Here are some things that happen in children’s teeth due to tooth decay:
Initially, white spots appear on the surface of the teeth, indicating the beginning of damage to the enamel layer. As the decay progresses, a cavity forms on the tooth with a light brown color. Over time, the cavity becomes deeper and turns black or dark brown.
These symptoms can vary from one child to another, and in some cases, parents may not notice the presence of decay. However, the child may experience pain in the affected tooth or surrounding area, and the teeth may become more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Caring for Children's Teeth
It is important to care for your child’s teeth, whether they are primary or permanent. Here are some tips for taking care of your child’s teeth:
- From the moment your baby is born, be sure to clean their gums using sterile wipes designed for children’s teeth.
- When the first tooth appears, you can clean your baby’s teeth using a gentle toothbrush for infants with warm water.
- After your child reaches 18 months, you can use a low-fluoride toothpaste specially made for children, but it’s important to consult with the doctor and use only a small amount, making sure your child doesn’t swallow the toothpaste.
- You can start using dental floss around the age of two, but always after consulting the doctor.
- Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day and start using dental floss by themselves at the age of 4.