Denta-joy is here with useful information for parents who want to ensure their children’s dental health. Let’s explore the development of children’s teeth and tips to maintain a confident smile at every stage
Baby Teeth Development: How It Begins
Children’s dental development starts with primary (baby) teeth, which usually begin to appear around 6 months of age. The lower front teeth emerge first, followed by the upper front teeth, gradually completing a total of 20 teeth by around age 3.
Typical Order of Baby Teeth Eruption
- 6–12 months: Lower front teeth emerge first, followed by upper front teeth.
- 12–18 months: Lower and upper molars begin to erupt.
- 18–24 months: Canines (eye teeth) start to appear.
- 24–30 months: Second molars emerge.
Important Notes:
Every child may have slightly different dental development. Some may get teeth earlier or later than average.
If a child over 10 months old has no teeth yet, consult a pediatric dentist.
When baby teeth start to erupt, children may experience gum discomfort, fussiness, or irritability.
How to Care for Baby Teeth
- Brush at least twice a day (morning and before bedtime).
- Use fluoride toothpaste suitable for your child’s age (typically around 500 ppm fluoride for young children).
- Limit sugary foods and drinks, and brush teeth afterward if consumed.
- Regular dental check-ups at least twice a year.
Permanent Teeth: When Do They Appear?
Permanent teeth begin to erupt around 6–7 years old. The first permanent molars appear first, followed by other teeth replacing lost baby teeth. The full set of 32 permanent teeth develops over time, with the third molars (wisdom teeth) emerging between 17–21 years, which may become impacted if there is insufficient space.
Typical Order of Permanent Teeth Eruption
- First molars: 6–7 years
- Front teeth (incisors): 7–8 years
- Canines: 10–12 years
- Premolars: 10–12 years
- Second molars: 12–13 years
- Third molars (wisdom teeth): 17–21 years (may vary or remain impacted)
Important Notes:
Eruption may vary depending on genetics, nutrition, and health.
Early loss of baby teeth can affect permanent teeth alignment, causing crowding or misalignment.
Factors Affecting Permanent Teeth Eruption
1.Genetics: Family history of early or late eruption can influence timing.
2.Nutrition: Deficiency in calcium or vitamin D can delay tooth eruption.
3.Oral Health: Decayed or prematurely lost baby teeth can impact permanent teeth alignment.
4.Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism or growth disorders may delay eruption.
5.Injuries: Jaw injuries during tooth development can cause misalignment.
6.Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque buildup or gum inflammation can affect tooth eruption.
7.Premature Baby Tooth Loss: Can lead to crooked or crowded permanent teeth.
8.Tooth Bud Position: Misaligned or angled tooth buds may prevent normal eruption; X-rays can help diagnose.
Common Issues During Permanent Teeth Eruption
When permanent teeth are erupting, children may experience several issues, such as permanent teeth growing behind baby teeth, teeth emerging in the wrong position, delayed eruption, or cavities in the grooves of molars. Additionally, they may have gum soreness around the erupting teeth or feel discomfort in the mouth while chewing.
Basic Solutions for Common Permanent Teeth Issues
1.Permanent teeth erupting behind baby teeth:
When a permanent tooth starts to come in but the baby tooth has not fallen out, the permanent tooth may grow behind or crowd the baby tooth.
Solution: If the baby tooth does not fall out naturally, a dentist may recommend extraction to allow the permanent tooth to erupt normally. Orthodontic treatment may also be considered to correct alignment.
2.Permanent teeth growing in the wrong position:
Permanent teeth may emerge crooked, tilted, or misaligned.
Solution: A dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment to properly align the teeth.
3.Delayed eruption of permanent teeth:
Teeth may erupt later than usual due to health issues or genetics.
Solution: A dentist will identify the cause and provide appropriate guidance.
4.Cavities in molar grooves:
Newly erupted molars often have deep grooves where food can get trapped, increasing the risk of cavities.
Solution: Practice proper brushing and flossing regularly and visit a dentist at least twice a year. For deep grooves, a dentist may recommend dental sealants to make cleaning easier.
5.Gum soreness:
Erupting permanent teeth can cause swelling and discomfort in the gums, especially while chewing.
Solution: Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. For severe pain, a dentist may recommend pain relief medication.
How to Maintain Strong and Healthy Permanent Teeth
1.Start with strong baby teeth: Taking care of baby teeth ensures that permanent teeth can erupt properly and develop healthily.
2.Brush and floss correctly: Brush at least twice a day and use dental floss regularly to maintain oral hygiene.
3.Regular dental check-ups: Visit a dentist at least twice a year for oral examinations, allowing early detection and timely treatment of any dental issues.
Conclusion
To build a confident smile, it’s important to care for your child’s oral health from the first tooth. If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message. To schedule a dental check-up, you can contact us via inbox or register online to book an appointment.
Denta-joy, a leader in orthodontic innovation and aesthetic dentistry.
“Start your day right—with a smile.”
Denta-joy is the pioneer in bringing Invisalign and Brava by BRIUS to Thailand. We specialize in designing beautiful smiles and provide treatment with the largest number of clear aligner cases in Southeast Asia, with over 9,000 Invisalign cases performed.
Leader in Invisible Orthodontics Since 1983
1983: First lingual braces (inside braces) in Thailand.
2000: First Invisalign treatment in Thailand, with over 9,000 cases.
2019: First Brava by BRIUS in Asia, providing fast, convenient, and invisible orthodontic treatment. Denta-joy is the first clinic outside the U.S. to introduce this innovative inside braces system.
Check your gum and dental health today at any Denta-joy branch.
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Thonglor Branch (Fifty-Fifth Plaza Building)
Seacon Square Branch (Srinakarin – near Suan Luang, On Nut, Pravet)
Pinklao Branch (serving the Thonburi area)
Pattaya Branch (for customers in the eastern region)
Ramindra Branch (serving the expressway–Minburi area)