CHILDREN'S SMILE CARE

Children's teeth begin forming before birth. As early as age 4 months, the first primary or baby teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of eruption varies.

Oral care should begin soon after baby's birth. Gums can be cleaned with a washcloth daily. You can begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as they appear.

Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until age 21.

Sealants

Sealants are an acrylic-like material that helps shield out decay-causing bacteria from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is recommended that sealants be applied to a child's primary (baby) molars by the age of 3 or 4 years. Once the 6-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear, it is best to apply sealants as soon as possible as a child's most cavity prone years continue until the mid-teens. The premolars should also be sealed as they appear.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth or third molars are the final teeth to develop. Most of us have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of our mouth. They usually emerge during our late teens or early twenties.

Some third molars don't have room to erupt. In that case, Dr. Porter performs wisdom teeth removal in her office. Most patients choose to either be sedated or use nitrous oxide for this procedure.