EARLY CHILDHOOD
Parents often have questions about their child’s tooth development, home care and dental visits. A child’s first teeth appear at around six months in the front of the mouth and back teeth start to come in at around 12 months. Baby teeth will continue to come in until about age three.
Until age seven, we recommend that parents brush their child’s teeth at least twice daily. The child can continue brushing after the parents finish each session. A toothpaste containing fluoride should be used. Complete rinsing and spitting is unnecessary. The majority of the benefit of fluoride comes from toothpaste - not from fluoridated water.
Most children can have their first dental visit at age three or four with a simple exam and polishing. The goal is to count the teeth to make sure that they are all present and also to check the bite. This first appointment is a good way to introduce the child to the dentist with a simple low-stress visit.