How To Care For Your Child's Teeth
A child's primary teeth, sometimes called "baby teeth," are as important as the permanent adult teeth.
- Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year.
- Primary teeth help children chew and speak.
- Primary teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums.
The ADA recommends that a dentist examine a child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday.
- A dental visit at an early age is a "well baby checkup" for the teeth.
- Besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, the dentist can demonstrate how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumbsucking.
A Note from Dr. Virk
We would like to see children after their second birthday. At this time, we will give them a chair ride and perform a visual exam to see how their teeth are doing. Ideally, we would like to see your child (and you) every six months.
For more information about children's dentistry, please see our Pediatric Dentistry page.