Pediatric Dental Services – Kids Corner

A: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, the first dental visit should occur within six months after the baby’s first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday.

A: All 20 baby teeth usually erupt by age 3.  The lower front two teeth are the first to come in and this happens around six months of age.

A: The first baby teeth begin to come out around age 6.  This will continue until your child is about 12 years old.  Please keep in mind that these are average ages and it is not uncommon for teeth to come in a little sooner or fall out a little later.

A: You should start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear.  Use a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush with only a small, pea-size dab of children’s toothpaste.

A: Once your child is able to spit out the toothpaste without swallowing first.  This usually occurs around age 3-4 years old.  Please keep in mind, brushing with fluoride toothpaste should continue to be supervised by an adult.

A: Although primary teeth are in your child’s mouth for only a few years, it is very important that they are kept in the best health.  Your dentist may want to take an x-ray to detect any unseen cavities that need to be filled, or to make sure the adult teeth that are forming below the gum’s surface are in good position.