News You Can Use
Winter 2007
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Your child's first teeth will begin coming in between three and sixteen months (usually around six months). The two bottom front teeth will be the first to come in and this will be followed by the four upper teeth in four to eight weeks. The timing of the eruption of the first tooth is largely influenced by genetics, so if there is a family history of getting the first tooth late, there's a strong possibility your child will probably also get their first tooth late.

Your child will continue to get new teeth until they have all twenty of their primary teeth by the time they are close to three years old. Most children get about four new teeth every four months. Children begin shedding their first teeth when they are around 6-7 years old, and this process is complete with the loss of the 2nd molars when they’re about 11-13 years old.

Permanent teeth begin erupting at around 6-7 years of age and continues until your child gets his third molars (or wisdom teeth) when he is about 17-22 years old.

Fluoride Varnish......A New Way to Reduce
your Toddlers Childhood Decay

Toddlers who have Fluoride Varnish applied to their teeth by a dentist twice a year are four times less likely to get cavities in their baby teeth, according to a recent study.

Fluoride varnish is a topical agent containing a high concentration of fluoride (5 percent sodium fluoride (NaF) or 22,600 ppm of fluoride) it is one of the latest tools being used in our pediatric dental office.

The varnish, which is painted on like nail polish is often much easier for Toddlers to tolerate than Fluoride trays. Once the varnish is properly painted directly onto the teeth, it sets on contact with intraoral moisture. After application, the fluoride varnish remains on the tooth surfaces for several hours, which facilitates maximal fluoride uptake and strengthens the tooth's surface. Fluoride varnish also minimizes the risk of inadvertent fluoride consumption and is easy to use on very young children.

The ADA considers fluoride varnish to be safe and efficacious as part of a caries prevention program that includes caries diagnosis, risk assessment, and regular dental care.

TEETHING

In most children, teething only causes increased drooling and a desire to chew on hard things. In some, it does cause mild pain, irritability and the gums may become swollen and tender. To help this, you can vigorously massage the area for a few minutes or let him chew on a smooth, hard teething ring. Teething should not cause fever, diarrhea, sleeping problems or diaper rash. While most children do not need teething gels or treatment with Tylenol for pain, you can use these products if necessary.

All information is for general purposes and is not intended to substitute for professional care.