Childs Dental Growth and Development
Your child’s dental growth and needs will change so much over time. From teething to baby teeth to adult teeth, there are plenty of things to consider and many tips to remember.
It can be hard to keep track of each stage of your child’s dental development, which is why we’re here to help. There are things to watch out for as your child grows to ensure that their teeth stay healthy.
Here is our guide to your child’s dental development, from pregnancy to permanent teeth.
Your Baby During Your Pregnancy
It might surprise you to know that babies develop their tooth buds really early on, between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. Because teeth are so strong, it takes time to build them up and a mother’s nutrition is the key to tooth strength during this time. An increase in calcium and pregnancy vitamins is helpful for growing healthy teeth in a baby.
Newborn and Infant Teeth
After birth, it’s important to start healthy oral hygiene routines right away. Wiping your child’s gums with a clean soft cloth after feedings can help.
Teething can be a trying to time for infants and parents alike. It varies when babies start to get teeth and it’s important not to worry if your child doesn’t get their teeth early. If you are concerned, see your local dentist. Once their teeth have erupted, use a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for babies and infants.
Toddlers
Once your child is a toddler, you should be bringing them in for regular dental visits, making it a positive and rewarding experience. Teeth development can also affect speech and facial development, so it’s important to take the time to ask your dentist any specific questions about your child.
Now is the perfect time to develop habits around tooth brushing and oral care. Read picture stories books about developing healthy habits around brushing teeth and make it a fun bonding experience early on. If your child has sensory awareness difficulties, they may dislike having their teeth brushed, which can make oral hygiene difficult. If you are having problems in any way regarding your child’s oral hygiene or teeth development, seek professional help.
Young Children (age 7+)
By age 7 many children have lost their baby teeth and grown permanent teeth. Some children have mixed feelings about losing their teeth and might become upset. It can help to make it a positive experience by involving the tooth fairy and marking it an exciting milestone in their development. You might consider an orthodontic check-up to determine if your child will need their teeth aligned with braces, Invisalign or through other methods.
Titirangi Dental – Your Family Dentists
The team at Titirangi Dental are experienced family dentists with a special focus on kids’ dentistry. We strive to ensure your child’s tooth development is healthy and that their dental experiences are positive. For all your children’s dental needs, contact Titirangi Dental and make an appointment today. To speak to us directly, bring your family into our clinic in West Auckland!
