First-time parents are sometimes caught off-guard when their babies start drooling and fussing for no apparent reason. This normally occurs when a baby is about six months old, during which teeth begin “erupting” or growing out. As any Fort Mill Dentist parents visit would agree, teething is a mildly uncomfortable process which most babies relieve by feeling the teeth with their tongue or by biting toys and other objects.
The upper or lower front incisors are normally the first to erupt. Parents watch this with much anticipation and are naturally concerned about how to keep baby teeth clean. Although a baby’s first teeth are considerably hard and strong, parents are advised to keep them clean by gently wiping them with a gentle cloth to prevent early infection.
In some cases, parents get concerned when the first teeth have yet to erupt by the child’s first birthday. It is true that teething can begin a little late, however, and teething can continue well into a child’s second year. Parents and family dentists can expect the first full set of teeth to be complete by a child’s second birthday.
Fort Mill Dentist parents visit would be happy to show how a healthy set of teeth looks like. A full set of baby teeth needs to have two pairs of incisors, a pair of canines, a pair of premolars, and two pairs of molars, on each dental arch. As early as possible, children should learn the rudiments of oral care, namely brushing and flossing, to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, decay, and infection.
Baby teeth typically fall out at age six, which is when permanent teeth signal their presence by appearing as little white heads behind baby teeth. While most baby teeth fall out on their own, tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent choking hazards in case the tooth falls out during sleep.
The same level of care and hygiene should be given to permanent teeth. It would be wise to reinforce proper dental care habits and encourage children to be proactive with their dental health. Likewise, parents should bring their children to the family dentist every six months or so for professional cleaning and to monitor their teeth as they develop.
Once a person turns seventeen, the “wisdom teeth” or third molars erupt. This can be uncomfortable and even painful, to the point that some people suffer mild fevers. Prior to orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth may have to be extracted should Fort Mill Dentist families trust like Dr. Jason Prescott, DMD consider it necessary.