How much do you know about your child’s teeth? Children grow up fast. But it’s important to take care of their teeth and gums every step of the way. Although your child’s baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an important role by helping your child chew food safely and speak clearly. Baby teeth also save space for adult teeth, and help guide them into place. Even before your child gets their first tooth, you can maintain their dental health by wiping their gums with a clean damp gauze or cloth. By age 2, you should teach them to brush and floss with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. By age 3, you should make sure they have their first dental checkup appointment with Dr. Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb is a trusted family and general Collierville dentist, now delivering quality care daily to families throughout Collierville, TN, Germantown, Pembrook, Memphis, Bartlett, Olive Branch, and the surrounding communities.

Collierville Children’s Dentistry: How Do Little Teeth Develop?

Baby Teeth

• 4 to 7 months: Teething begins. Your baby’s gums may be swollen and red where the teeth are cutting through.
• 8 to 12 months: Upper middle teeth emerge. Girls usually get their teeth before boys.
• 9 to 16 months: Top and bottom teeth right next to the middle teeth begin to appear. Teeth usually emerge in pairs, one on each side of the mouth.

Toddler Teeth

• 2 to 19 months: The first molars come in on the bottom and the top of the mouth. Baby teeth are a brighter white and smaller than permanent teeth.
• 16 to 23 months: The sharp, pointed teeth called the canines emerge on the top and bottom. If your baby doesn’t show any signs of a tooth by the time she’s 18 months old, mention it to her doctor. The very back teeth, or second molars, work their way in on the bottom as well.
• 25 to 33 months: The second molars on the top come in right after those on the bottom.

Preschool Teeth

• 3 years: Your child has a full set of 20 primary teeth by now and should come in for their first dental checkup.
• 4 years: Jaw and facial bones grow, creating space between the primary teeth for your child’s adult teeth to come in.

School Age Teeth

• 6 to 12 years: Your child starts losing their teeth. During these years, both baby teeth and permanent teeth appear as one type replaces the other. They may fall out in any order, but your child may lose their baby teeth in the same order in which they arrived. The middle teeth are usually the first to go, followed by the ones on either side. The molars can be lost at any time after that, but will likely be gone between age 9 and 12. This is a good time to begin protecting your child’s teeth from decay with dental sealants and fluoride treatments. At about age 7, Holcomb will be able to determine if your child will need orthodontic treatment to maintain a straight smile.
• 12 years: Your child has a full set of 28 adult teeth.

Collierville Family Dentist Appointments for the Whole Family

Remember, comprehensive general dental care should be a priority at every stage of life. Protect the little smiles in your family; make a dental checkup appointment for them with Dr. Holcomb at his kid friendly Collierville general dentist office today. Dr. Holcomb proudly restores smiles daily throughout Collierville, TN, Germantown, Pembrook, Memphis, Bartlett, Olive Branch, and nearby areas.