Take your child to see the dentist by the 3rd birthday, sooner if you see anything that concerns you. Your child’s first visit to the dentist can be a pleasant adventure. Talk about the visit in a positive matter-of-fact way, as you would any important new experience. Explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help the child stay healthy.
During the first visit, the child’s mouth will be examined for tooth decay and other problems. Your child’s teeth will be cleaned by the dental hygienist. The dental hygienist will explain how the child’s teeth should be cleaned at home, how diet and eating habits affect dental health, and methods to ensure that your child gets sufficient fluoride.
Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are three years old. Primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth—for chewing, speaking, and appearance. In addition, the primary teeth hold space in the jaws for the permanent teeth.
You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Flossing should begin when all the primary teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 to 2 ½. By age 4 or 5, the child may be able to brush under your watchful eye.
The preschool years are an important time to help your child establish good eating habits, since you can control your child’s diet successfully. At this age, many children need to eat snacks or mini-meals. They cannot always eat enough food at mealtimes to get all the nutrients and energy they need. Help your child choose sensible snacks—foods that don’t promote tooth decay.
As your child nears age 6, the jaws grow, making room for the permanent teeth. At the same time the roots of the primary teeth begin to be absorbed by the tissues around them, and the permanent teeth under them prepare to erupt.
The first permanent molars usually erupt between ages five and six, so they are sometimes called the six-year molars. Because the six-year molars do not replace any primary teeth, they are often mistaken for primary teeth. You should remember that they are permanent teeth and must be cared for properly if they are to last throughout your child’s lifetime. These molars are especially important because they help determine the shape of the lower part of the face. They also affect the position and health of the other permanent teeth.
Sometimes a primary tooth is lost before the permanent tooth beneath it is ready to erupt. If primary teeth are lost too early, nearby teeth can tip or move into the vacant space. When the permanent teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there will not be enough room. As a result, they may erupt out of their proper positions, leading to malocclusion. To avoid such future problems, your dentist may recommend that it be removed to prevent the irregular eruption of the permanent teeth.