10 Surprising Facts About Kids’ Teeth
By Dr. Hans Leonard, D.D.S. of Jordan Creek Pediatric Dentistry
Did you know your child’s mouth is changing all the time? Understanding how teeth grow and what to watch for can help parents stay one step ahead of some of the stranger things that can happen as kids grow.
Here are 10 surprising facts about kids’ teeth that every parent should know.
#1. Teeth start forming before your baby is born.
While it’s pretty rare, about one in 2,000 babies are born with teeth each year. This is usually nothing to worry about! Even though most babies are born without visible teeth, the tooth buds for baby teeth start forming in the second trimester of pregnancy. By the time a child is born, all 20 baby teeth are already formed under the gums, waiting to erupt.
#2. Your child should visit the dentist by age one — yes, really!
Every parent should decide what’s right for their own child, but the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry does recommend that a child see the dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth. It may seem early, but those baby teeth play a big role in eating and speech development. Early visits help spot problems before they start and make dental care feel easy and familiar throughout life.
#3. Tooth decay is the most common disease in children.
When did you have your first cavity? Today, half of kids will have one by age 8. The good news is that cavities are mostly preventable with good brushing habits, healthy eating, and regular dental checkups. Dentists have additional preventive tools in their toolbelts, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments, that can help strengthen young teeth that are susceptible to decay.
#4. Even natural sugars can harm teeth.
Juice, gummy vitamins, and snacks contain added sugars that aren’t good for young teeth. Even drinks labeled “100% juice” contain natural sugars that can lead to decay. Water is an excellent alternative to juice.
#5. Thumb sucking and pacifiers can affect how teeth grow.
While these habits are normal for babies, they can become harmful if they carry on past age 3 or 4. At that age, they can start affecting tooth and jaw growth, leading to long-term bite problems. Your pediatric dentist can be a good source of information on how to stop these habits before it’s too late.
#6. White spots can be an early sign of tooth trouble.
Have you ever noticed chalky white spots or lines on your child’s teeth? If so, it could be an early sign of enamel weakening or the start of a cavity. If you see these markings, it’s best to schedule a checkup so they can be treated before they worsen.
#7. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth.
Fluoride has gotten a bad rap lately, but the truth lies in the data — it strengthens tooth enamel to fight against decay. The trick with fluoride is to monitor its use closely. Kids under 3 need only a tiny smear of toothpaste, while kids over 3 can use a pea-sized amount. Make sure your kids always spit out their toothpaste when brushing, not swallow it.
#8. Baby teeth are important.
Some people think baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out, but they actually play a critical role. Baby teeth help kids chew food, speak clearly, and guide permanent teeth into place.
#9. Cavities in baby teeth can affect permanent teeth.
If a cavity in a baby tooth gets infected, the bacteria can spread and affect the developing adult tooth below it. That’s why regular dental appointments and treating cavities early are so important…even in teeth that will eventually fall out.
#10. Good dental habits start early.
Many adults today fear the dentist because they had negative childhood experiences. When children start seeing the dentist at a young age and they have fun, stress-free visits, they are more likely to feel comfortable and confident about oral health care as they grow into adulthood.
If you ever have questions about your child’s teeth, a pediatric dentist like Jordan Creek Pediatric Dentistry, is an excellent resource for support with each tooth-related development during your child’s journey from infant to teen.
