Commonly Asked Questions
Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. Teeth begin to emerge above the gums approximately six months to one year after birth. Typically, preschool children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth – including four molars on each arch. One of the most common misconceptions about primary teeth is that they are irrelevant to the child’s future oral health. However, their importance is emphasized by the American Dental Association (ADA), which urges parents to schedule a “baby checkup” with a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth emerges. What are the functions of primary teeth? Primary teeth can be painful to acquire. To soothe tender gums, biting on chewing rings, wet gauze pads, and clean fingers can be helpful. Though most three-year-old children have a complete set of primary teeth, eruption happens gradually – usually starting at the front of the mouth. The major functions of primary teeth are described below: Speech production and development – Learning to speak clearly is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development. The proper positioning of primary teeth facilitates correct syllable pronunciation and prevents the tongue from straying during speech formation. Eating and nutrition – Children with malformed or severely decayed primary teeth are more likely to experience dietary deficiencies, malnourishment, and to be underweight. Proper chewing motions are acquired over time and with extensive practice. Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits and facilitate nutritious eating. Self-confidence – Even very young children can be quick to point out ugly teeth and crooked smiles. Taking good care of primary teeth can make social interactions more pleasant, reduce the risk of bad breath, and promote confident smiles and positive social interactions. Straighter smiles – One of the major functions of primary teeth is to hold an appropriate amount of space for developing adult teeth. In addition, these spacers facilitate the proper alignment of adult teeth and also promote jaw development. Left untreated, missing primary teeth cause the remaining teeth to “shift” and fill spaces improperly. For this reason, pediatric dentists often recommend space-maintaining devices. Excellent oral health – Badly decayed primary teeth can promote the onset of childhood periodontal disease. As a result of this condition, oral bacteria invade and erode gums, ligaments, and eventually bone. If left untreated, primary teeth can drop out completely – causing health and spacing problems for emerging permanent teeth. To avoid periodontal disease, children should practice an adult-guided oral care routine each day, and infant gums should be rubbed gently with a clean, damp cloth after meals.
Though there are some individual differences in the timing of tooth eruption, primary teeth usually begin to emerge when the infant is between six and eight months old. Altogether, a set of twenty primary teeth will emerge by the age of three. In general, teeth emerge in pairs, starting at the front of the infant’s mouth. Between the ages of six and ten months, the two lower central incisors break through. Remember that cavities may develop between two adjacent teeth, so flossing should begin at this point. Next (and sometimes simultaneously), the two upper central incisors emerge – usually between the ages of eight and twelve months. Teething can be quite an uncomfortable process for the infant. Clean teething rings and cold damp cloths can help ease the irritation and discomfort. Between the ages of nine and sixteen months the upper lateral incisors emerge – one on either side of the central incisors. Around the same time, the lower lateral incisors emerge, meaning that the infant has four adjacent teeth on the lower and upper arches. Pediatric dentists suggest that sippy cup usage should end when the toddler reaches the age of fourteen months. This minimizes the risk of “baby bottle tooth decay.” Eight more teeth break through between the ages of thirteen and twenty three months. On each arch, a cuspid or canine tooth will appear immediately adjacent to each lateral incisor. Immediately behind (looking towards the back of the child’s mouth), first molars will emerge on either side of the canine teeth on both jaws. Finally, a second set of molars emerges on each arch – usually beginning on the lower arch. Most children have a complete set of twenty primary teeth before the age of thirty-three months. The pediatric dentist generally applies dental sealant to the molars, to lock out food particles, bacteria, and enamel-attacking acids.
It’s never too early to begin a healthy oral care routine. In fact, you should begin caring for your child’s gums long before their first tooth emerges, which is usually around the six-month mark of their life. Healthy gums are an important predictor of healthy teeth, and maintaining clean gums will help ensure that your child has healthy, cavity-free baby teeth. You can clean your infant’s gums – or their first teeth – by simply using a cold, clean washcloth. Simply rinse a clean, soft washcloth with cool water and wring it out. After your child has finished eating, or drinking a sugary drink, use the damp washcloth to gently wipe out their mouth. This will remove any sugar or acid that’s left by their food, and help prevent early cavities. Once your child has a few more baby teeth – usually between 8 and 12 months – then you can graduate from a washcloth to a toothbrush designed for toddlers. There are a lot of toothbrushes designed for babies and toddlers from which to choose. Generally speaking, toothbrushes designed for babies have much softer bristles and a smaller head than those meant for older children. Use only a smear of fluoride toothpaste – about the size of a grain of rice – to brush their teeth. When they’ve gotten older and have more teeth, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Always be sure to rinse their mouth out with cool water after you’re done brushing, and try to keep them from swallowing any toothpaste. Flossing is also important for baby teeth. Flossing helps remove the plaque and food that can become lodged between teeth. Be sure to floss your child’s teeth daily.
Baby bottle tooth decay is a form of early childhood cavities that typically affects the upper front teeth. With regular dental visits and proper home care, it can be prevented. In severe cases, treatment may involve tooth removal and the use of space maintainers. How Does Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Develop? Tooth decay in infants is caused by acid-producing bacteria, which can be passed from parents to babies through saliva. Frequent exposure to milk or sugary liquids, especially during naps or bedtime, increases the risk. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay. How Can I Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay at Home? Preventing baby bottle tooth decay is entirely possible with consistent care. Regular dental visits combined with these steps will help keep your child’s smile healthy and cavity-free: Avoid sharing saliva (no cleaning pacifiers with your mouth, etc.) Clean your baby’s gums after feedings Use toothpaste approved by the ADA in appropriate amounts Limit sugary drinks Encourage drinking from regular cups as your child grows Maintain a balanced, healthy diet for your child If you have any questions or concerns about baby bottle tooth decay, please feel free to contact our office.
Tips to Prevent Cavities at Home Review the diet: Replace sugary snacks with healthy options and swap soda for water. Limit snacking: Avoid constant snacking to reduce sugar exposure. Stop prolonged sippy cup use: This helps prevent tooth decay. Avoid sticky foods: These tend to cling to teeth and promote plaque buildup. Clean pacifiers: Rinse under running water instead of cleaning by sucking on them. No sweetened bedtime drinks: Avoid giving sweetened liquids before bed. Don’t dip pacifiers in honey: Use alternative soothing methods. Brush and floss: Ensure your child brushes and flosses twice daily until at least age seven. Use fluoride properly: Apply the recommended amount to strengthen enamel. Keep regular dental visits: Begin dental checkups by your child’s first birthday and maintain routine appointments. If you have any questions or concerns about preventing cavities, please contact our office.
If your child's gums appear red and swollen, it may be an early sign of gum disease. Begin treatment by improving daily oral care—brushing, flossing, and cleaning the tongue regularly. Rinsing with warm salt water can help ease inflammation, while staying well-hydrated and reducing sugary foods can discourage bacterial buildup. A cold compress may also relieve swelling and discomfort. Common causes include gingivitis, erupting teeth, mouth breathing, or vitamin deficiencies, so identifying the root cause is important. If the swelling continues, it’s best to schedule a dental visit to rule out infection or gum disease and ensure appropriate care. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's gum health, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
Frequent and extended use of sippy cups can contribute to tooth decay in toddlers. While they are useful for helping children transition from bottles to regular cups, it’s best to phase them out by 12 to 18 months of age. Guidelines for Sippy Cup Use Avoid sugary drinks: Stick to water whenever possible. Limit prolonged sipping: Remove the cup once your child is finished drinking. No sippy cups at bedtime: Unless the cup contains only water. Don’t use for comfort: Avoid filling sippy cups with sugary beverages for soothing. Clean regularly: Rinse the cup often to prevent bacteria buildup. Use sugary drinks only at meals: Increased saliva during meals helps rinse the mouth and protect teeth. How Sippy Cups Contribute to Tooth Decay When sippy cups are filled with sugary liquids, they expose a child’s teeth to sugars over a prolonged period. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to acid production that wears down enamel and causes cavities. Choosing the Right Sippy Cup Avoid no-spill valves: These encourage constant sucking and prolonged sugar exposure. Opt for a spout design: Supports proper drinking habits. Look for two handles: Makes it easier for toddlers to hold and transition to regular cups. If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s dental health or sippy cup use, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
For most infants, the sucking of thumbs and pacifiers is a happy, everyday part of life. Since sucking is a natural, instinctual baby habit, infants derive a sense of comfort, relaxation, and security from using a thumb or pacifier as a sucking aid. According to research from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the vast majority of children will cease using a pacifier before the age of four years old. Thumb sucking can be a harder habit to break and tends to persist for longer without intervention. Children who continue to suck thumbs or pacifiers after the age of five (and particularly those who continue after permanent teeth begin to emerge) are at high-risk for developing dental complications such as jaw misalignment, roof narrowing, crooked teeth, mouth sores, and tooth decay. Here are some helpful suggestions to help encourage the child to cease thumb sucking or pacifier use: Ask the dentist to speak with the child about stopping. Often, the message is heard more clearly when delivered by a health professional. Buy an ADA recommended specialized dental appliance to make it difficult for the child to engage in sucking behaviors. Implement a reward system (not a punishment), whereby the child can earn tokens or points towards a desirable reward for not thumb sucking or using a pacifier. Wrap thumbs in soft cloths or mittens at nighttime. If the above suggestions do not seem to be working, your dentist can provide more guidance. Remember: the breaking of a habit takes time, patience, and plenty of encouragement!
Bruxism, or grinding of teeth, is remarkably common in children. For some children, this tooth grinding is limited to daytime hours but nighttime grinding (during sleep) is most prevalent. Bruxism can lead to a wide range of dental problems such as moderate of severe jaw discomfort, headaches and ear pain. Bruxism can be caused by several different factors. Most commonly a "bad bite" or jaw misalignment promotes grinding. Children with certain developmental disorders or brain injuries may also be at particular risk of grinding. Bruxism may spontaneous cease at the age of thirteen in the majority of children. In general, the treatment is dictated by the cause. If the teeth are misaligned, some options may include orthodontic intervention or altering the biting surface of teeth with crowns. In cases with significant damage, your dentist may recommend a specialized dental appliance such as a nighttime mouth guard. If you have any questions or concerns about bruxism or grinding teeth, please contact our office.
We recommend mouthguards for children active in sports such as baseball, soccer or other sports to protect his or her teeth. Ask us about custom-fitted mouthguard made to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and gums.
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