Watch me Grow!

Watch me Grow!

Now that the baby teeth have all grown in….now what?  You know that the baby teeth will eventually be lost and replaced by permanent (adult) teeth.  While we have our permanent teeth for our entire lives….hopefully…children should develop great habits while the baby teeth are still present. While this chart is a guideline to follow, Jeffrey L. Angart can watch their growth and development closely during the child’s twice annual visits.

COMMON QUESTIONS

• The baby tooth fell out 2 months ago and the permanent one STILL hasn’t grown in.  Is it there?

In some instances, the permanent teeth can take several months to appear.  Your dentist can take an xray to be sure the tooth is actually there, but in most cases it is.  Its not easy working your way through bone, have patience and don’t forget to take pictures of that toothless smile!

• The permanent teeth look yellow.  Why?

  Some parents notice that the permanent teeth are darker in color than the baby teeth.  This happens because of the large amount of dentin in a permanent tooth.  The enamel is translucent on the teeth, therefore showing the yellow dentin color more.

• The teeth look like rows of teeth!

  This can sometimes occur when the permanent tooth does not come in directly below the baby tooth.  Check to see if the baby tooth is loose.  If it is, then encourage the child to wiggle the tooth and twist it in a circle.  If it is NOT loose, you may want to call your dentist to see if the teeth need to be “helped out” by a dental professional.

• Is Fluoride necessary for my child?

  If your child has had a cavity in the last 3 years, they are considered at high risk for cavities.  High and Moderate risk children should ALWAYS have a prescription strength fluoride varnish used at their dental appointments.  They may even need a prescription toothpaste to help and reduce the rate of decay present.  Most children should use a fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first molar is seen in the mouth, even if they are not swallowing.  Remember that toothpaste should only be about the size of a grain of rice until they are 6 years old, when you can bump it up to a pea sized amount if they are spitting.

NUTRITION

Baby teeth have thin enamel, therefore decay can progress very quickly.  We’re talking 1mm of decay progression per month!  Considering a baby tooth’s thickest enamel is 1mm…..its important to have good oral hygiene and nutrition.  Here are some tips to follow

• Snacks – limit these to once a day – NO MORE!
• Sugary beverages – ex: Gatorade, Frappuccinos, Fruit Juices
• Squeezable snacks – (yogurt, applesauce) while fun and convenient, these snacks are a major cause of the increase of childhood decay

CARING FOR TEETH DURING ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL

• See the dentist every 6 months
• Floss daily
• Minimize sugary beverages (Gatorade and Frappucinnos) to once weekly, at most.