Did you know that your child’s smile started developing before they were born? Primary/baby teeth begin developing in the womb and become visible within the first 6-12 months after birth. These primary teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 5 and continue well into adulthood. From infancy to adulthood, taking excellent care of both the primary and permanent teeth is crucial to prevent common dental health concerns and emergency dental visits. One way to do this is by educating yourself about how growing smiles develop and what issues they are most susceptible to. Read on for five children’s dental health facts you will want to know as a parent.
1. Cavities are the most prevalent dental issues among kids.
In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published an Oral Health Surveillance Report that looked at rates of decay in people of all ages. Its findings showed that 1 in 10 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old had at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth. By the ages of 6 to 8 years old, that number jumped to 1 in 5. They also found that 50% of children between the ages of 6 and 9 years old have had cavities in their primary or permanent teeth.
2. Children should visit the dentist by the time they turn one year old.
To help combat the emergency of common dental issues among kids, like cavities, professional organizations and pediatric dentists everywhere recommend bringing your child in for their first appointment either by the time their first tooth grows in or their first birthday, whichever comes first. This will help them get comfortable with their dental office and team as well as allow you to begin good habits early on.
3. Even if your baby has no teeth, daily oral hygiene is still important.
Although your baby may not have any teeth yet, it is still a good idea to clean their gums. You can do so either with a clean, damp washcloth or a soft baby toothbrush and water. This will help keep bacteria from accumulating along their gumline, giving their sprouting teeth the healthiest foundation to grow from!
4. Sugar is not the only cause of cavities.
Although we tell kids that sugar and candy are the most common reasons for cavities, they are surprisingly not the only cause. Decay can be caused by poor at-home oral hygiene as well as germs spreading from parent to child by sharing eating utensils, cups, etc. To stop the spread of decay, be sure to brush your child’s teeth twice a day and floss them once a day, and avoid sharing food and other items that may spread germs via saliva.
5. Playing sports can lead to dental injuries.
If your child or teenager plays sports, a dental injury is always a possibility. To avoid the stress and possible permanent oral damage, consider investing in a customized sportsguard from your child’s pediatric dentist in Leesburg.
About the Author
Dr. Vani Takiar is a passionate pediatric dentist committed to helping children build good dental hygiene habits when they are young that they can carry into adulthood. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, she is committed to providing the highest quality of care to growing smiles, as well as a fun, welcoming atmosphere where every young patient feels like they belong. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Tooth Clues’ website or call 571-799-0559.