Caring for Baby Teeth
Your child’s first baby teeth will start appearing between the ages of 6-12 months. This process will continue until they are around three years old. During this time, your child’s gums may feel sensitive and painful. To help ease their discomfort, we recommend rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth on their gums. You can also use a teething ring. It’s important to keep your child’s mouth clean by brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. You can start brushing their teeth once they break through. Once your child has finished teething, they will have 20 primary teeth. As your child grows, their primary teeth will fall out at different times during childhood. Permanent teeth will start coming in at the age of six and will continue to emerge until they are 21 years old. Adults have 28 permanent teeth (including wisdom teeth, 32).
Growing Older
As your child enters their teenage years, they will generally have all of their permanent teeth. However, this stage can bring about new dental concerns, namely wisdom teeth and teeth alignment. At Laurel Oaks Dental, we carefully monitor your child’s incoming wisdom teeth to ensure they do not cause any shifting or other issues. Issues include permanent shifting of teeth, overcrowdedness, and discomfort or pain. If issues arise, we offer in-house wisdom teeth removal. Teeth shifting is another common problem for teenagers. At Laurel Oaks, we provide ClearCorrect aligners, which are made with ClearQuartz™ tri-layer aligner material. These aligners apply the right amount of pressure to the right areas, resulting in straighter teeth and the smile you’ve always desired.
Choose Laurel Oaks Pediatric Dentist in Laurel, MS
At Laurel Oaks Dental, we provide comprehensive dental care for children from infancy to adolescence and beyond. Trust Laurel Oaks to meet all your child’s dental needs at every stage of their young life. Choose Laurel Oaks for exceptional care tailored specifically for your child.
At what age should I start taking my child to the dentist?
You should start bringing your child to the dentist at 3 years old.
How often should my child go to the dentist?
Every six months is recommended. Consult with your dentist to see if they need to visit more often.
How can I help my child avoid cavities?
Brushing, flossing, and a well-balanced diet are the most impactful ways to avoid cavities. Some children get cavities easier than others, but taking preventative measures lowers the risk of cavities.
How do you help children feel at ease during a dental appointment?
At Laurel Oaks, our team is experienced in working with kids of all ages. We do our best to make sure your child is receiving quality and comfortable dental care throughout their visit. Accommodations can be made if necessary.
