Your Pediatric Dentist in Pleasant Grove Discusses When Your Child Should Have All Their Adult Teeth

As a parent, your main concern is that your child has the foundation they need to lead a happy and healthy life. You want to be able to give them everything necessary to grow up strong and confident. Lately, you’ve noticed that their baby teeth have started to fall out at a fast rate and you’re curious about when you can stop forking out money from the tooth fairy. Your pediatric dentist in Pleasant Grove discusses how your son or daughter’s oral health is developing and when the tooth fairy will be able to retire.  

How Do My Child’s Teeth Develop?

Every child’s development is different, but typically, their primary teeth should begin to peek through their gums between 6 and 12 months. By the time they’re 2 ½, you’ll notice that nearly all their baby teeth will be accounted for.

Typically, their upper teeth will appear a month or two before their lower ones. Gaps between their baby teeth ensure that there’s room for their adult teeth to grow into. There’s no need to be concerned if your child’s teeth don’t grow in exactly as stated, but be mindful if their teeth don’t appear a year after expected. Checking with their children’s dentist in Pleasant Grove can help ease any worries you may have about their oral development.

What are the Different Parts of My Child’s Teeth?

The best way to teach your child to take care of their teeth and ensure their smile is bright and healthy for years to come is to explain the anatomy of their teeth. Each tooth that pops into their mouth has 4 parts to it:

• Enamel: This is the outer layer and the hardest material found in the body.
• Dentin: This layer is just inside the enamel and the main part of the tooth. It’s the largest dental tissue and is naturally yellow in color.
• Pulp: This soft tissue found on the inside of the tooth houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It also produces dentin.
• The Root: The root of the tooth secures it to the jaw and promotes bone growth.

Protecting their enamel and consuming foods and drinks that don’t erode it is the best way to maintain a bright smile. Sugar and acids can penetrate the enamel and reveal the naturally yellow color of dentin.

When Should My Child’s Adult Teeth Come In?

Your child will start losing their baby teeth around 6 years old. Typically, their front teeth will be the first to go, followed by the appearance of their adult molars. Their last permanent teeth usually appear around the age of 12, not including their wisdom teeth (which should appear in their late teens or early 20s).

Taking your little one to visit their dentist for kids in Pleasant Grove every 6 months is the best way to keep on top of their oral health needs and prevent cavities and decay. During these visits, you can also ask any questions you may have or potential recommendations to ensure your child’s smile stays in great shape!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive care for children and teenagers under the age of 20. We offer the services of both general and pediatric dentists, meaning whatever treatment your child may need, we offer. We have collective years of experience and knowledge all under the same roof! For any questions or to schedule an appointment at one of our many convenient locations, visit our website or contact 214-420-4400.