Facts About Children’s Teeth That Every Parent Should Know – Austin, TX

For parents, their children’s wellness is always a priority. Even before they are born, precautions are taken to make sure that no factor can affect their development. Items like cribs or toys are bought which are sure to provide them with comfort and safety. Parents see to it that children are always under their watchful eyes to protect them from harm.

However, to guarantee that a child will attain excellent overall health, parents should be cautious not only of their little one’s physical wellness but their oral state as well. Although the primary teeth will eventually fall out, they should still be given proper attention and care. Here are other facts that every parent should know about their child’s teeth.

• A child should first see the dentist on their sixth month and not later than their first birthday. It is the time when the first tooth comes in so dental associations like ADA, AAPD, and AAP find this the best time to seek professional assistance for the young ones.
• The total number of primary teeth is 20. All these are expected to erupt between the ages of 2 to 3 years old.
• Believe it or not, the primary teeth begin forming under the gums while the baby is still in the womb. However, there are cases of babies being born with teeth! According to experts, the possibility is 1 out of 3000.
• Baby teeth serve as the guide for the permanent (adult) teeth. Any complications that can affect the first set of structures can compromise the growth of adult teeth and lead to problems.
• Children who still suck their thumbs after 5 years of age are more likely to suffer from jaw distortion and damage to permanent teeth.
• Feeding infants with a bottle of milk on the crib and leaving it in their mouths after they are asleep increases their risk of cavities.
• Typically, the first teeth to grow are the 2 lower incisors (front teeth) followed closely by the other two on the upper jaw.
• Children can develop cavities even in their baby teeth. The problem is, it may compromise the development of the permanent teeth.

Thankfully, there is a way to protect children’s teeth from cavities! At Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we recommend parents to consider the placement of dental sealants to their child’s teeth. The purpose of this treatment is to form a barrier for the teeth to prevent harmful substances like bacteria, plaque, and acids from harming them. The placement of sealants is easy so it would not cause the child to feel scared or uncomfortable. Besides, shots or drillings are unnecessary.


Give your child’s teeth added protection with the help of Dental Sealants in Austin, TX! Book your appointment with Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our dental office is located at 4638 West Gate Blvd., Austin, TX 78745.