You’re constantly hearing about the importance of proper oral hygiene. But how significant is it really? When it comes to children whose primary teeth are erupting, is it really necessary to be concerned with brushing their ivories? After all, those little teeth are just temporary. Your local dentist will weigh in with the answers and other important information that’s vital to the future of your child’s oral health. All of this is available as you continue reading!

How Should Primary Teeth be Taken Care of?

The primary teeth are the first 20 that erupt in your child’s mouth. Because they are impermanent, some people make the mistake of thinking that oral hygiene is not as important at this stage as later in life.

What must be remembered, though, is that once the teeth began to erupt and your child starts eating solid foods, everything changes. This is because there are bacteria present in the mouth that become very active once food is introduced. Therefore, if there is no oral hygiene regimen initiated, the bacteria have a chance to grow unfettered.

The following timetable shows the normal eruption pattern for your child’s primary (milk) teeth:

• Middle Incisors (Front Two Teeth): 6-8 months
• Lateral Incisors (Teeth Next to the Front Two Teeth): 8-10 months
• First Molars (Back Teeth): 12-16 months
• Canines (Sharp, Pointy Teeth): 16-20 months
• Second Molars (Second to Last Set in the Back): 20-30 months

Around the time that the first molars start coming in, you should begin brushing your child’s teeth. In addition, you should schedule his or her first dentist visit around this age. The goal, of course, is to get your child off to the best start possible.

When Should Your Child Start Flossing?

Your kiddo should be brushing and flossing independently by the age of seven. This is around the time that the first permanent teeth start to grow in and the onslaught of bacteria gets worse.

In addition, your visits to your children’s dentist will keep you abreast of the success of your child’s oral hygiene efforts and provide him or her with a thorough cleaning as well. So just as bacteria step up their attack, collectively you all will be ready to defend the oral health of your kiddo!

Just remember that excellent dental care is a constant work in progress, so utilize the tools you have available to you. Make sure to bring your little one in every six months so that your family dentist can make sure that everything is working properly and in its healthiest state.

The future is bright when oral health is treated as a priority!

About the Author

Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui earned her dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. After graduation, she went on to complete a one-year General Dentistry Residency at South Cove Community Health Center in Boston. In her post-graduate capacity, she has attended many conferences and continuing education courses to broaden her knowledge. Dr. Bui practices at Southeastern Dental Care and can be reached for more information through her website.