Teeth Development
Your teeth develop at different stages. In fact, your teeth begin to grow even before we are born! Teeth formation begins at 6 weeks of pregnancy. Because of this, it is extremely important as a mother to maintain a healthy and nutrient-rich diet. Foods that are high in vitamin D and vitamin C are vital for teeth development. Let’s take a closer look at a tooth’s developmental stages:
-4 to 12 Months of Age
Even before your child’s teeth appear it is imperative that you visit us. It is also important to clean their gums after a feeding with a damp washcloth. This ensures that no food residue is left behind on the gum line.
Teeth often break through the gum line as early as 4 months old. During teething, it is common for your baby to experience drooling and be irritable. To prevent early decay, also known as baby bottle decay, do not allow your child to sleep with their bottle or drink sugary beverages.
In general, girl’s teeth tend to grow in earlier than boy’s teeth. Front incisors are usually the first to appear while molars are the last (often at 22 months). Lower teeth appear before upper and teeth tend to grow in pairs (left and right appear at the same time).
-2 to 5 Years of Age
Most children have all their primary (baby) teeth when aged between 2-3 years old. Primary teeth are whiter and smaller than permanent ones. It is important to make sure that your child maintains a healthy diet to prevent tooth decay or dental issues in the future. At the age of 3, your child can start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. After the age of 4, your child’s jaw expands and begins making room for permanent (adult) teeth. In some cases, children can start losing their baby teeth at 4-5 years old.
-6 to 12 Years of Age
By the time your child reaches 6-7 years old, their permanent teeth should be growing in. First and second molars will fall out starting around the age 9, and ending around 12 years old. During this stage, children should have developed an at-home dental routine, brushing and flossing every day!
-Late Teens and Early 20’s
During the late teens and early 20’s, wisdom teeth will start to grow in. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, which means they grow at an angle. If this occurs, wisdom teeth will have to be removed to avoid tooth discomfort, gum disease, and even decay.
At The NJ Center for Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry, your child’s health is important right from the start and we are always here to help! If you have any questions about your child’s dental health or are experiencing wisdom teeth discomfort, please contact us at 973-244-2424 or request an appointment with us online today!