Teeth will begin to develop in children right from when they are in their mother’s womb. You and your child will begin to see their teeth when they are around four months of age. These teeth are called deciduous or milk teeth. They are also called primary teeth. Once a child has turned three years old, they should have twenty teeth. Every child is different when it comes to the number and order at which their teeth will grow. They should get their very first permanent tooth at approximately six years old.
Primary teeth should begin to fall out when your child is six to seven years of age. The top and bottom central incisor teeth will usually be the first teeth that will fall out. Be aware that it is normal for a child to become anxious if a tooth has fallen out. They will feel the pain and see the blood and will likely be concerned about this. However, if you act as a tooth fairy and treat them with some money, the concern they have will soon go away.
The first permanent tooth will begin to grow when your child turns six years old. Their molars will grow in the lower and upper jaw first. This will occur before the final primary teeth arrive. It is normal for the central incisor teeth to grow behind the primary incisor teeth. They should soon get to the correct position in a few weeks or months. More teeth should grow into the gaps where other teeth have previously fallen out. It is the responsibility of all parents to show their children how to brush their teeth, mouth and gums correctly. If this is neglected, then children may experience the following: hand, foot and mouth disease, mouth ulcers, oral rush, or cold sores. Always check your children’s teeth as often as possible. This teaches your children to develop a good routine that they should continue throughout their life.
Many years ago, dummies were never considered to be a problem. However, these days, it is advised that children stop using dummies before permanent teeth begin to develop. If the use of dummies continues, the child will experience a few different consequences. These include: deep palate or cross bite. Never soak dummies into sweet sugary liquids. Always keep them safe and clean.
It is normal for children to suck their thumb until they are about four years old or if the permanent teeth begin to grow. If they are still sucking their thumb at this age or older, be aware that this could result in dental changes. To prevent them from doing this, wrap their finger with a band aid and paint on top of it with stop aid nail polish.
If not treated correctly, caries are likely to occur at a young age. Infants may develop caries in their front upper teeth. This is because baby bottles have not been used correctly. Juice in a bottle can result in the development of caries. The first sign of caries developing at an early age is that the child might have a dull white line across their gum line. More often than not, bacteria are sitting in these areas. This turns sugar into acid. The acid will then dissolve into the tooth’s enamel. If a tooth has turned black or brown, then you can be sure a hole has developed. The brownish black stumps on a tooth tell us that the hole has grown quite large. This will usually occur in the upper teeth, not in the lower teeth.
All parents must check their children’s teeth regularly. The following guidelines must be followed:
As soon as your child has finished drinking, put the bottle somewhere else. If the child needs another drink, only give them cooled boiled water. Start giving a feeding cup to your child once they have turned six to eight months of age. Most of the time, bottles can be thrown out once the child has turned twelve months old. Always give your child drinking water. This should be given top priority over sweet drinks or juices. Visit the dentist often to get a check-up done on your child’s teeth. If your child is fearful about this, sit them on your lap during the appointment. Children between 2-17 years are eligible for Child Dental Benefit Schedule. Thanks to the Australian Governments CDBS program.
If you have other worries about this, please get in touch with these people in your local town or city:
The doctor. The local council. Our dentist.
- Your Community Dental Clinic or Dental Health Services Victoria. Contact them on: 1300 360 054 between 8.30 am to 5 pm, on Monday to Friday.
- Country areas can call 1800 833 093.
- Your Dental Health Services Victoria Information Line. Call them on: 1300 360 054 8 am to 5 pm, on Monday to Friday.
- The Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours). Contact them on: 132 229 or the NURSE-ON-CALL at: 1300 60 24 for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- The Royal Childrens Hospital. Call them on: (03) 9345 5344, 9 am to 5 pm, on Monday to Friday