Plano Pediatric Dentist Explains Milk Teeth

Plano, TX -- Dr. Rupande Patel, the Pediatric Dentist at the Pediatric Dentist Plano office explains that the first set of teeth, are also referred to as “milk-teeth” and there are twenty of them. They usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally appear before their corresponding counterparts of the upper jaw. The first of the “milk-teeth” are generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set appear at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months of age.  Thus the whole “Baby Teething” process period is estimated to take from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, with each child so, because this variation is normal, there is no need for alarm if a child’s first set of teeth appear early or late.  The time frame that they appear also has no bearing on any other part of their child development.  There are however a few more things that are helpful to know.

Although this is a completely natural process, it can often be a difficult and even a painful process for the young one going through it.  There a many new techniques, processes, and even topical medications that can be used to help the child transition from no teeth to a mouthful of beautiful baby teeth.  

There are many things that the parent can do to help in both the teething process as well as the dental health of the child.  First, feeding your child juice should always be followed by a tooth and gum cleaning process.  Juice contains acid and as good as it may be for the child’s health, it is terrible for their teeth.  When they have only a few teeth, wash your hands thoroughly and use one finger to gently rub and to clean the child’s mouth and gums.  As more teeth appear, using a baby tooth brush and a great tasting tooth paste can be very pleasant for the child if done correctly.  Remember, gentle but thorough is the secret.  Remember, allowing any food product, especially juice to remain on the tooth surface will sooner or later require a visit to our Plano Pediatric Dentist office to treat the decay and to fit the child for “Baby Caps” that allow the natural development of the underlying tooth surface to progress naturally.  Please remember, just because they are “baby teeth” does not mean that these teeth are not important.  They are very important in setting the stage for the next set of permanent teeth.    

Mother’s milk is by far the best and most beneficial for both the body and the teeth.  However to pretend that a child is not going to consume things that are harmful to his or her teeth is just not practical.  

Gum inflammation can be treated early, easily, painlessly, and with good tasting stuff!  The process of rubbing a healthy, good tasting numbing agent on the baby’s swollen and sore gums is the first stage of teaching them how to brush their teeth.  When a parent starts by rubbing all of the child’s gums early, regardless of if they are hurting or not, the teeth brushing habit has been established.  As a specialist in kids dentistry, Dr. Rupande Patel, DDS says, “Rubbing something good tasting and good for your child, establishes the daily habit of cleaning and caring for their teeth.  They will grow up never NOT remembering brushing.  Try singing a song or making a game of it.  The kids love it and then when they come in the dentist, we extend the game you have started at home!”   

You can learn more about how to make dental care for your child simple, easy, fun, and painless by visiting http://www.pediatricdentistplano.org/ and requesting our free Kids Dental Care Kit.

Contact Information

Dr. Rupande Patel, DDS

Pediatric Dentist

Smile Island Dental

(1) 972-646-1484

planopediatricdentist@gmail.com