Proper dental care is important at all ages, starting from when your child gets their very first baby tooth. But if you’re a new parent in Arlington, you may not be sure what to expect when your child starts teething.
When will they get their first baby tooth? What should you do to take care of it? And when will your little one get all of their baby teeth? Read on to get answers to these FAQs and more from the team at Shirlington Pediatric Dentistry.
Your child will get their first baby tooth sometime between the age of 6-12 months. The bottom front teeth (bottom incisors) usually come in first, shortly followed by the top front teeth (front incisors).
Next, the lateral incisors next to their front teeth will erupt, followed by their first set of molars, their canines (teeth between their incisors and lateral incisors), and then their second set of molars. In total, it typically takes about 2-3 years for children to get their full set of baby teeth.
As soon as their first teeth erupt! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids see a dentist as soon as they get their first tooth or when they are one year old, whichever comes first. That’s also our recommendation at Shirlington Pediatric Dentistry, so schedule your child’s first visit today!
If you’re a proud new parent and your child just got their first tooth, Dr. Shwetha Rai can check on your child’s mouth, make sure their tooth is healthy, and answer any questions you may have about caring for their baby teeth.
Once your child gets their first baby tooth, you should brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Once your child is about 2-3 and can spit on command, you can start using a larger dab of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a rice grain.
You should brush your child’s teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, ideally once in the morning and once before bed. You should also brush their gums thoroughly and gently, even in areas where their baby teeth have not yet erupted. When their teeth start to fit more closely together, you should also floss their teeth once per day.
Again, this can be different for each child. But generally speaking, your child will lose their first baby tooth around the age of six. Your child’s baby teeth will loosen, fall out, and be replaced with healthy adult teeth.
Your child will lose their baby teeth in an almost similar order as when they grew in, starting with their front teeth. Typically, kids won’t lose their final set of baby teeth until they're about 12 years old, so it takes quite a while for their new adult teeth to emerge.
Baby teeth may be temporary, but healthy and strong baby teeth are essential for your child’s quality of life, and for their future oral development. If you’re a new parent and you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in the Arlington area, Dr. Rai and our team are here for you. We’re always accepting new patients, and we’d love to meet you and your growing family. Contact us online or give us a call at (703) 646-1805 to schedule your kiddo’s first consultation with Dr. Rai today.
