In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears. This usually occurs between 6 and 12 months of age, or no later than his/her first birthday.
Have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water then your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. All primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of eruption varies from child to child. Permanent teeth appear around age 6, this process continues until approximately age 21.
Click here to view the “tooth chart”.
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth.
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth.
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
Radiographs (X-rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child's oral health process. Without them, some dental conditions can and will be missed. Used for more than detecting cavities, they are useful to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, or plan orthodontic treatment. It is recommended by the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentists) that X-rays be taken every 6 months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Typically X-rays are taken once a year. Approximately every 3-5 years is recommended to have a panoramic X-ray taken.
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is between 2 and 3 years old. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth using water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush.
Print Version
Send to a friend
Madison Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics
100 River Place, Suite 110
Madison, WI 53716
Business: 608-222-6160
Billing: 608-222-6721
Fax: 608-222-6248
Email: kidsdental1@madped.com
Office Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
