Does my child need sealants?
Decay starts mostly in the fissures (pits and grooves) on the biting surfaces of the back teeth. there fissures are so narrow, that even a bristle of a toothbrush, is too thick to get in and clean them. Germs from plaque, live in the fissures producing acid which cause decay. This procedure is not necessary with every child, it depends on the formation of the child's teeth. Sealants are plastic coatings which bond to the biting surface. They fill in the grooves providing better protection against decay. They are usally white or clear in colour, therefore they don't look unsightly.
The treatment is quick and painless, the teeth need to be cleaned, dried and then a thin layer of coating is applied.
When should I start cleaning my child's teeth?
Once your child's teeth begin developing, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child's toothbrush. You should use just a pea-size amount of a fluoride toothpaste or a non-fluoride toothpaste until your child is able to spit it out (too much fluoride can stain their teeth).
When should I take my child to the dentist?
An early visit to the dentist can help educate you about your child's oral health and proper hygeine.
So when should the first visit be?
If your child doesn't have any risk factors for developing cavities, such as sleeping with a cup or bottle, and if his teeth seem to be developing normally, then you can probably wait until they are three years old.
If your child has any problems, such as staining of his teeth, crowding or abnormal tooth development, then he should see a dentist earlier. You may also want to see a dentist if your child has any persistent habits, such as sucking his thumb or using a pacifier or grinding his teeth at night (bruxism).
Tooth Development
Your child's first teeth will begin coming in between three and sixteen months (usually around six months). The two bottom front teeth will be the first to come in and this will be followed by the four upper teeth in four to eight weeks.
The timing of the development of the first tooth is largely influenced by genetics, so if there is a family history of getting the first tooth late, then your child will probably also get his first tooth late.
Your child will continue to get new teeth until he has all twenty of his primary teeth when he is three years old, with most children getting about four new teeth every four months.
Children begin losing their first teeth when they are around 6-7 years old, and this process is complete with the loss of the 2nd molars when he is about 11-13 years old.
Permanent teeth begin developing at around 6-7 years of age and continues until your child gets his third molars (or wisdom teeth) when he is about 17-22 years old.