Children’s Teeth

Primary teeth have long been regarded as just a temporary precursor to the more permanent teeth.
Child smiling in dentists mirror - Brentwood Dental

Primary teeth are important

The front teeth are replaced by the age of 6 years. However, the primary posterior teeth are not replaced by their counterparts until age 10 to 13 years.

Primary teeth are important for chewing, maintaining the space for the permanent teeth and helping the normal growth of the jawbones and muscles.

Proper care of baby teeth should begin as soon as they start to appear in the mouth. At first, a moist face cloth should be used to “polish” the teeth, but as more teeth erupt, a child’s toothbrush should be used gently at least twice a day. Fluoride administered in the correct dosage makes enamel stronger. Although many communities have fluoride added to the water, it is also applied to teeth after every professional cleaning.

A fun visit to our office is in order as soon as your child can walk. Prepare your child by telling them about a dental office, and avoiding negative words such as pain, hurt, drill, and pull. Early dental visits foster the establishment of a lifelong relationship between the dental team and the child while serving to enhance the general dental health of the child.

Problems associated with primary teeth:

  1. Toothache. Clean and floss the area, administer painkillers and phone the dental office.
  2. Swelling. Apply cold compresses.
  3. Cuts and bruises. Apply firm pressure to stop bleeding.
  4. Tooth knocked out. Save tooth in milk and go immediately to closest dentist (ideally within 30 minutes).