Pedodontics, or pediatric dentistry, focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. While babies are born without visible teeth, their milk teeth are already present in the jaw, waiting to emerge. In rare cases, newborns may already have one or more erupted teeth. Although tooth eruption patterns and timing can vary slightly between children, experienced parents and dentists are familiar with the general stages of dental development.
Typically, the first front teeth emerge between the 5th and 6th months of age, with the full set of 20 milk teeth (10 in each jaw) completed by the age of three. During teething, children may experience discomfort such as palate pain, itching, irritability, fever, and loss of appetite. Parents are encouraged to consult dentists, pediatricians, or other healthcare providers for concerns they find unusual. Dentists may recommend soothing gels to alleviate teething pain.
Oral Care in Children
Oral hygiene begins as early as infancy. Even a single tooth requires cleaning. As children grow, oral care evolves, starting with parental involvement and gradually becoming the child’s responsibility. Failure to clean teeth thoroughly after feeding can lead to bacterial plaque formation and tooth decay. Sugary foods are not the sole cause of cavities; good oral hygiene should follow every meal. Children should visit the dentist every 5–6 months, just like adults.
- Infants (0–3 years): After each feeding, parents can clean their child’s gums and teeth with a clean, damp gauze pad. As teeth appear, a soft-bristled toothbrush moistened with water can be introduced, without using toothpaste initially.
- Toddlers (3–4 years): Once children can control swallowing, they can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste under parental supervision. Parents should teach proper brushing techniques and ensure that the child spits out the toothpaste.
- Older Children (6+ years): As permanent teeth begin to replace milk teeth, dental care remains critical. At this stage, children can start using dental floss. Parents should monitor their brushing and flossing routines to ensure proper technique.
Habits to Avoid:
Habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use should ideally be stopped by age 3–4. Persistent habits can be addressed with a dentist’s assistance, and specialized habit-breaking appliances may be recommended.
Transition from Milk Teeth to Permanent Teeth
Around age six, milk teeth begin to fall out, making way for permanent teeth. This process may start earlier or later depending on the child. Typically, the lower front permanent teeth emerge first. These teeth often erupt behind the milk teeth rather than directly underneath them, which may seem unusual but resolves naturally with growth. Parents are encouraged to consult a dentist if they have concerns.
The first permanent molar (the six-year molar) appears behind the second deciduous molar, around age six. Often mistaken for a milk tooth, these molars are vital and require proper care to prevent early extraction. Neglecting these teeth can lead to early loss, making them among the most frequently extracted permanent teeth in childhood.
Dental Treatments for Children
Pediatric dental treatments aim to prevent and address issues early to ensure healthy oral development:
- Fluoride Applications: Dentists may apply topical fluoride to strengthen teeth and reduce mineral loss from the surface.
- Fissure Sealants: Grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of newly erupted teeth can be sealed to prevent cavities.
- Early Decay Treatments: Treating small cavities in milk teeth prevents more severe problems later. Fillings in milk teeth do not harm dental development or the underlying permanent teeth.