Childhood is filled with numerous significant milestones that are worthy of celebration. From the moment your child takes their first crawl to the time they proudly walk across the stage at their high school graduation, the days may seem long but the years are short!

Here at Southbridge Dental Care, we prioritize the dental milestones in a child's life. While the specific timing may vary for each child, here are some common dental milestones that every child should go through.

Appearance of Their First Baby Tooth

Witnessing that initial tiny tooth emerging from your baby's gums is truly a thrilling moment! Eventually, they will have a total of 20 primary teeth. Even though these teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in ensuring your child receives proper nutrition and learns to speak.

It is important to brush each tooth with a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush. For children under three years old, use a smear of child-safe toothpaste equivalent to a grain of rice. Once they are over three, they can use a pea-sized amount. Start flossing gently as soon as they have two adjacent teeth.

Teething can be a challenging period for both the baby and the parents. To alleviate your baby's discomfort, provide teething rings and gently massage their gums with a clean finger or a damp cloth.

First Dental Check-Up

A child's initial dental appointment should ideally coincide with their first birthday or when their first tooth emerges. Even though there may not be many teeth to examine or clean, regular dental visits are crucial for infants. These visits enable our team to address any queries you may have regarding your child's oral health. We can identify and treat any potential dental issues early on. Moreover, positive early experiences at the dentist can help reduce the likelihood of your child developing dental anxiety.

At Southbridge Dental Care, we provide gentle and convenient children's dentistry!

Shedding Their First Baby Tooth & Growing Permanent Teeth

Many children start losing their baby teeth around the age of six or seven to make way for their permanent teeth. This is also the age when they usually get their first permanent molars. Consult our team about the potential benefits of applying dental sealants on the grooves of these new teeth to safeguard them against harmful bacteria and decay.

Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

Typically, individuals develop four wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 26. However, some may have fewer or more than four. While these teeth can erupt without issues, they often face challenges due to limited space in the mouth or improper alignment, making them hard to maintain hygiene. The late teenage years are usually the optimal time for wisdom teeth removal. During routine dental visits, we can evaluate your child's teeth to determine if and when extraction of their wisdom teeth may be necessary.

Contact us to arrange an appointment for your child at Southbridge Dental Care!