Dental Milestones for Kids

There are various milestones worthy of being celebrated during childhood. The days are long and the years are short between the time your child crawls for the first time to when they walk across the stage for their high school graduation!

At Southbridge Dental Care, we place particular emphasis on the dental-related milestones. While the exact timing will be different for every child, here are a few common dental milestones that your child should experience.

Eruption of Their First Baby Tooth

It’s very exciting to see that first tiny tooth peeking through your baby’s gums! Eventually they will have 20 primary teeth. Although these teeth are temporary, they are essential to help your child get proper nutrition and learn to speak.

Each tooth should be brushed with a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush. For children under three years old, brush their teeth with a smear of child-safe toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Children over three can use a pea-sized amount. Begin gently flossing as soon as they have two teeth that are touching.

Teething can be a stressful time for both the infant and their parents. To soothe your baby’s discomfort, offer teething rings and gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or damp cloth.

First Dental Visit

A child’s first dental visit should occur around the time they turn one or when their first tooth grows in. Despite not having many teeth to clean or examine, regular dental visits are still important for babies. They allow our team to answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral healthcare. We can diagnose and treat any dental issues that may arise early on. Plus, early positive exposure to the dentist can help your child be less likely to develop dental anxiety.

At Southbridge Dental Care, we offer children’s dentistry that is gentle and convenient!

Losing Their First Baby Tooth & Getting Their Permanent Teeth

Many kids begin losing their baby teeth around age six or seven to make way for their permanent teeth. This is also about the same age that your child will get their first permanent molars. Talk to our team about whether your child would benefit from having dental sealants placed in the grooves of these new teeth to protect them from harmful bacteria and tooth decay.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Typically, patients have four wisdom teeth that emerge between the ages of 17-26 years old. It is possible, however, to have fewer or more wisdom teeth than four. While these teeth can grow in without problems, usually a patient’s mouth is too small for them or they grow in crooked and become difficult to keep clean. Often the best time to have the wisdom teeth removed is during the late teenage years. We can assess your child’s teeth during their routine dental visits to determine if and when they will need any of their wisdom teeth extracted.

Please contact us to schedule an appointment for your child at Southbridge Dental Care!

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