You may think baby teeth aren’t essential because your child will lose them, making room for their adult counterparts. However, baby teeth should live out their lifespan to aid oral development.
Please continue reading to learn more about baby teeth and why they matter. We’ll also explore when your child should first visit a Lincoln dentist.
Tooth Names and Order of Eruption
Your child’s first teeth (upper and lower central lateral incisors) should erupt between six and twelve months of age. The next teeth to come through are typically upper and lower central incisors, which come in before or slightly after the 16-month mark. The first molars are usually next, followed by the canines before age two.
Of course, there are no exact dates when your child’s teeth will erupt. It is all a ballpark estimate! So, don’t be concerned if you see teeth arriving early or a bit later than expected.
How Baby Teeth Aid in Oral Development
Baby teeth aid in language development and early chewing, and they help guide adult teeth when the time comes. If your child loses baby teeth too early, tooth migration may impact how their permanent teeth erupt. Consider baby teeth placeholders for later.
Nutrition Tips for Maintaining Baby Teeth
To keep your child’s baby teeth healthy for longer, we recommend not allowing them to sleep with a bottle of fruit juice or other acidic or sugary drinks. At bedtime, water is always best!
Also, be sure to clean your child’s teeth using a damp cloth as soon as you see the first tooth erupt. A member of our dental team can offer more customized tips based on your child’s oral development, including brushing and nutrition advice when appropriate.
First Dental Visit: When and Why
Children’s teeth are vital to their long-term health and well-being, so we’re pleased to offer comprehensive Kid’s dentistry in Lincoln, NE.
To maintain your child’s oral health and wellness, schedule their first dental visit around their first birthday.