Local Dental Care - Missouri Teething Chart

The Child Mouth, Timeline For Teeth

The appearance of your baby's first tooth is an exciting landmark! Nature has its own schedule for every child's mouth. Although at birth, babies already have 20 primary teeth, they appear at different rates. Some teeth arrive early and others a bit later.

Having some general guidelines and recommended care at each stage of development is helpful for caregivers.

3 to 4 Months:

Teething begins and your baby's gums may be sore because the teeth are getting ready to break through the gums. Signs to watch for include redness, fussiness, sleeplessness, drooling, and perhaps some loss of appetite.

8 to 12 Months:

The four front teeth (incisors) usually appear, followed by other front teeth. As soon as the first tooth erupts, it may be cleaned with a clean, wet washcloth or wet gauze. The gums should also be gently wiped. If a toothbrush is used, it should be an appropriate size and soft-bristled. Use only water with the toothbrush at this time. Schedule your child's first dental exam by his or her first birthday (and definitely no later than 16 months of age).

12 to 18 Months:

Baby is getting a mouthful! Incisor baby teeth and canines are common; first molars also can make their entrance. Wean your baby from the bottle to prevent "baby bottle tooth decay."

18 Months to 3 Years:

Canines, first molars, and second molars are expected. Schedule your child's dental exams every six months. Help your child form good oral hygiene habits; teach them how to brush.

3 to 5 Years:

All the primary or baby teeth should be in place. Some of the permanent teeth are getting ready to take their place. Your child likely needs help with some areas of brushing, like the inner surfaces and way in the back. Make sure to check your child's teeth after brushing is complete. By age five, your child is ready to floss with your help.

5 Years and Older:

The "toothless grin" stage begins as primary teeth are lost over several years. Permanent teeth emerge, usually beginning with the upper and lower molars. You may want to consult with an orthodontist about any potential needed correction.

Late Teens to Early Twenties:

The wisdom teeth need to be evaluated for proper placement and whether the size of the jaw can accommodate them.

Scheduling dental exams every six months is an important part of every stage of the developing mouth and plays an active role in good oral hygiene practices.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Ten Tips About Baby Teeth From The Tooth Fairy

I love teeth! They're so shiny, white, and bright! They're so pretty and sparkly. That's why I collect them. But I don't want them until you don't need them anymore, so I wait for the perfect time. It usually begins when you're about five years old or older, but sometimes it happens much later. Some of your baby teeth will start to wiggle and jiggle. Then, they are finally nudged out by your grown-up teeth.

When a loose tooth comes out, that's when I go into action. Collecting teeth is my job. Kids know how much I like teeth, so they save them for me. They put them out at night, sometimes in tiny tooth pillows or plastic cases. Sometimes, I find them underneath pillows when kids are sleeping. I like it when kids think about me. I think each child is special and so are their teeth! That's why I have some tips for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape:

• Brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Twice a day is nice (and needed to keep your teeth healthy.) It's even better if you brush after eating snacks, too.
• When brushing, use just a tiny dab of toothpaste, the size of a match head.
• Brush the outside and inside of every tooth. Brush your teeth for about two to three minutes, about the time it takes to sing, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" eight times!
• When brushing, don't ever eat the toothpaste. It's meant for your teeth, not your tummy.
• Brush your tongue (gently!). Those nasty cavity-causing germs like to hang out on your soft tongue, so you must brush them away.
• Floss every day. Dental floss is a piece of string that looks like thread or yarn. It's used to clean stuff out between your teeth. Ask an adult to help you. Those cavity-causing germs also like the places between your teeth to hide. Flossing gets rid of them.
• Eat healthy snacks. Your teeth like fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, and cheese that give them vitamins, minerals, and other good things for them to grow strong and shiny.
• Don't eat too many sugary foods like candy, cakes, or other desserts. Sugar is the food that those nasty cavity-causing germs really love! It gives them just what they need to go to work causing cavities on your teeth.
• Don't crunch on ice! (My friend, the Ice Fairy, doesn't like it either!) Ice wears down your teeth really fast.
• Visit a dentist twice a year. Dentists are my friends because they help to keep kid's teeth in really good shape.

Take good care of your teeth. Your baby teeth have a big job. They help your permanent teeth (the ones you'll keep forever) come into your mouth, at just the right time, in the right way. Once each baby tooth has done it's job, then I'll come collect it.

In the meantime, take the ten tips for turning your teeth into tip-top shape. (Say that ten times!)

Healthy teeth rule! The Tooth Fairy is cool!

Love,

The Tooth Fairy

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.