Permanent teeth start appearing at age six or some time after that in place of the primary teeth, which start falling one by one. These may appear early or later in some children as dictated by each one’s bodily timetable determined by hereditary traits. The teeth’s order of appearance is more important than the time of appearance. Usually, the lower central incisors are the first permanent teeth to appear, but in some kids it could be the first permanent molars.
While the primary teeth are 20 in number, there are 32 permanent teeth. Since the number of permanent teeth is much more than the primary teeth, the permanent molars in the farthest back emerge at the backside of the primary molar. The primary tooth stays there to be replaced by permanent premolars or bicuspids later on. All the other teeth including incisors ad canines are replaced permanent teeth.
Most often, all the 32 permanent teeth appear when the kids are about age 13. However, the wisdom teeth, also called third molars, appear from ages 17 to 21. Every one cannot expect to have these teeth because of improper position or inadequate space.
The teeth need to brushed and flossed properly to protect them. Kids up to age six and above need to be supervised by an adult to ensure the brushing is done properly. Brushing in the morning, after meals and before bed needs to be encouraged to remove all food particles from the mouth and crevices between the teeth.
Teeth of small kids should be brushed by an adult directly by cradling their head in one arm. Kids develop motor coordination after age six or seven, after which they can brush on their own, but under supervision. Soft nylon brushes are better for kids. Use a pea-sized paste with sufficient fluoride, the content which can be determined by a dentist.
Flossing should start around age two when teeth start appearing side by side near to each other. Flossing is necessary to remove food particles from between the teeth. Brushing alone can’t remove these cavity causing particles. Usually, children will have enough dexterity to do flossing by them-selves after age nine or ten.
Posted on May 25th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Child Care, Dental care, Toddler
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