Children’s Dentist in Warwickshire

Caring for your child’s teeth in Leamington Spa

First Teeth

Babies start to develop their teeth when they are growing in the womb (uterus). The first teeth, also known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth, begin to emerge through the gums at around six months of age. This process is known as teething. A baby’s teeth need to be cared for with regular brushing as soon as they develop.

Most children will have their full set of first teeth by the time they are around two-and-a-half years old. A full set of first teeth contains 20 teeth in total.

Adult Teeth

As children get older, their permanent adult teeth will start to appear. Adults can have up to 32 permanent teeth.

Permanent teeth develop in the jaw. They press on the roots of the first teeth and dissolve them so that the first tooth falls out and the adult tooth can come through. This process is called exfoliation and usually begins at around six years of age.

Children usually have most of their permanent teeth by the time they are 13 years of age. However, the wisdom teeth, which are at the back of the mouth in the upper and lower arches, develop in the late teens and early 20s.

A permanent tooth that is damaged or has to be removed will never grow back. This is why it is very important that children are taught how to take care of their teeth from an early age.

Caring For Your Children’s Teeth

Your baby’s teeth can be affected by tooth decay straight away, so start cleaning their teeth with a children’s toothpaste as soon as they appear. Speak to your dentist if you have any concerns about the development of your child’s teeth or their general oral health.

Getting your child into a good oral health routine at a young age will ensure they continue to have good oral health when they are older. At our practice, the dentists aim to prevent dental disease rather than treat it at a later date, and we encourage regular check-ups throughout childhood.

We also help parents and children to understand more about oral hygiene and diet. Fluoride applications and fissure sealant can be applied to biting surfaces of children’s teeth to prevent decay, setting them on the right path for a healthy smile throughout their lives.

If you would like to book your child in to see a dentist, just contact us.