Tooth Tips
Whether you're wondering about your child's first visit, looking for tips to prevent cavities, or need guidance on dental emergencies, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Eruption of your child’s teeth
Teething begins as early as 4 months, with the first baby teeth (lower central incisors) coming through. By age 3, most kids have all 20 primary teeth. Permanent teeth start coming in around age 6 and continue through age 21. Typically, kids get 28 permanent teeth, with 32 including wisdom teeth.
Types of pediatric dental emergencies and what to do
- Toothache
Rinse with warm water and floss to remove any stuck food. If pain persists, contact your dentist. Apply a cold compress if swelling occurs. - Cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek
Apply ice to reduce swelling. Use gauze to apply gentle pressure if bleeding continues. If it doesn’t stop, visit the hospital. - Knocked-out permanent tooth
Find the tooth, rinse with water, and try reinserting it. If that’s not possible, place it in milk or saliva and get to the dentist immediately. Time is critical! - Chipped or fractured permanent tooth
Rinse the mouth and apply a cold compress. Contact your pediatric dentist immediately and save any broken tooth pieces to bring with you. - Severe blow to the head or broken jaw
If your child suffers a severe blow to the head or a fractured jaw, head straight to the nearest hospital emergency room.
What’s the best toothpaste for my child?
When choosing toothpaste for your child, look for one approved by the American Dental Association to ensure it's safe and effective. Avoid toothpastes with harsh abrasives that can damage young enamel.
Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing to avoid ingesting too much fluoride, which can cause fluorosis. For younger kids who can’t spit yet, try a fluoride-free toothpaste or use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Does your child grind their teeth at night?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is common in kids, often noticed by parents through the sound or wear on teeth. It can be caused by stress, changes in routine, or even pressure in the inner ear.
Most cases don't require treatment, but if teeth are worn down, a mouth guard may help protect them. The good news is most kids outgrow bruxism between ages 6-9, with most stopping by ages 9-12.
If you’re concerned, talk to your pediatric dentist about options to protect your child’s teeth.
A few ways to help your child stop thumb sucking
Thumb sucking often happens when children feel insecure or need comfort. To help, address the cause of their anxiety and offer reassurance. You can also reward your child when they go without sucking, especially during challenging times like being apart from you.
If these strategies don’t work, your pediatric dentist can provide additional support or recommend a mouth appliance to help break the habit.
Tobacco effects on oral health
Tobacco in any form, including smokeless varieties like chewing tobacco, snuff, or spit tobacco, poses serious health risks. It can be more addictive than cigarettes and causes gum disease, pre-cancerous lesions, and other long-term oral health problems.
If your child uses tobacco, watch for early signs of oral cancer, such as:
- Sores that don’t heal
- White or red patches on the lips or inside the mouth
- Pain or numbness in the mouth or lips
Tobacco use can increase the risk of serious health issues, so it’s important to educate your child and help them avoid these dangers. Protecting their oral health today can save them from serious problems down the road.