Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. Children's teeth begin forming before birth.

Begin daily brushing as soon as the child's first tooth erupts. A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it. We ask parents to help with at least one brushing a day until age six and then supervise until the child does a thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child has the skill level to brush properly. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces.

Permanent teeth are normally more yellow than primary teeth. This becomes very apparent when the child is between the ages of seven and ten, where the adult teeth are next to the very white baby teeth. Once the child has lost several more baby teeth, most children appear to have very white smiles. » Return to Top

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist.

Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child's teeth from decay. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to help you select foods that protect your children's teeth.

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

Stains can be just on the surface of the tooth (extrinsic) or incorporated into the developing tooth (intrinsic). The latter is more rare. Tetracycline antibiotics will stain teeth that are forming at the time of the drug's use. As a result, tetracyclines are no longer given to pregnant women or children under twelve (except in life-threatening cases). The forming teeth may be stained gray to yellow to orange. Some stains can be bleached out; others need to be covered by bonded plastic resins.

Put a small pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste across the brush of a childs toothbrush. Apply the toothpaste across the width of the brush, instead of the length. Yes, but currently only 30% of Californians have it. Click here to see if you have it. The map is a general guide and does not include areas that receive fluoride naturally. Call the local water supplier for more specific information.

Yes. The light emitted by the "Photo Arc Light machine works by activating the bleaching gel to release oxygen which acts on the stain. The light gives off radiant energy and heat. However, the exposure to the light is in just three second intervals per tooth. The instructions for using the light are rigidly adhered to. No harm to any child or adult has ever occurred with proper use of this light emitting machine.

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. If they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist. Most children stop these habits on their own.

We recommend that parents brush their children's teeth for the first five to seven years of life, since young children lack the manual dexterity of proper tooth brushing. The toothbrush should be a child's size, with soft nylon rounded bristles. Toothpaste should not be used until the child is able to spit (three to four years of age) to avoid swallowing it. A pea-sized drop should be dispensed by the parent for young children. Flossing should be performed by the parent prior to brushing.

Generally, children will outgrow these habits before they become harmful. Some children that continue these habits may benefit from a corrective retainer that allows for a more normal growth pattern. If your child uses a pacifier, or sucks their finger or thumb, please mention these habits during your child's regular exams so we can properly monitor your child's growth. » Return to Top

A mouth guard should be a top priority on your child's list of sports equipment. Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. They protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries. Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard, but a custom-fitted mouth guard fitted by our doctor is your child's best protection against sports-related injuries.

Even though most children that age have a number of teeth, some children may have delayed tooth eruption. There is usually no concern about this.

Children’s hands and mouths are different than adults. They need to use toothbrushes designed for children. Both adults and children should use brushes with soft, rounded bristles for gentle cleaning. Change to a new brush about every three months. Wipe infant’s teeth gently with a moist, soft cloth or gauze square. As babies grow, use a child’s toothbrush with a small, pea-sized dab of toothpaste. By age 2 or 3 begin to teach your child to brush.