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All you need to know about baby teeth

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Colm Traynor from our Carlow practice answers some common questions about losing baby teeth and how best to protect the new permanent teeth that will shortly follow

 

Q: When do children lose their baby teeth?

A: A child’s baby teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out at about age six, allowing space for the permanent adult teeth to grow.

Q: Which is the first tooth to fall out?

A: Children usually lose teeth in the same order that they first appeared. Hence, the first baby teeth to fall out tend to be the two bottom front teeth and the two top front teeth.

Q: When will my child stop losing baby teeth?

A: Although timing varies from child to child, the process of losing baby teeth usually continues for a number of years until they lose the last tooth at around age 12 or 13.

Q: What if a baby tooth falls out too early?

A: Baby teeth generally stay in place until they are pushed out by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth early as a result of tooth decay or trauma, make sure to visit your dentist as there may be a risk of infection or damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Q: How long does it take a wobbly tooth to fall out?

A:  Once you or your child notices that a tooth is loose, it can sometimes take a few days or even a few months to fall out. This depends on how quickly the tooth root resorbs.

Q: Should I help my child to loosen a wobbly tooth?

A: It is generally best not to pull a loose tooth, but rather to let nature take its course. Most children will wiggle a tooth themselves until it falls out of its own accord. This will minimise any pain and bleeding associated with losing the tooth.

Q: What happens after a tooth falls out?

A: When a tooth finally falls out, you can help minimise your child’s discomfort by following some simple steps:

  • Remove the tooth with clean fingers or a moistened gauze
  • Reduce any bleeding with pressure from tissue or gauze for a brief few minutes
  • Encourage your child to gently rinse with warm water later that day
  • Brush the area gently for a day or two, to avoid irritation
  • Contact your dentist if you have any concerns, or if any portion of the baby tooth remains in the socket

Q: How can I help my child to look after the new adult teeth?  

A: Your child’s new permanent teeth will need to last them a lifetime, so establishing a thorough dental care routine from the outset is key.

  • Remind your child to brush at least twice a day for two minutes
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep their teeth strong and prevent dental decay
  • Help your child floss his or her teeth daily to remove plaque
  • Ensure a healthy diet and limit frequency of snacks, especially those high in sugar
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to help dilute any acid attacks
  • Schedule regular dental visits for your child, to monitor permanent teeth eruption

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

Taking care of teething in your little ones

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Niamh O’Grady from our Castlebar practice in Mayo answers some frequently asked questions about teething and offers advice on how best to ease the transition for little ones and parents alike

 

 

Q: When does teething start?

A: Although timing varies widely, first teeth usually start to erupt into a baby’s mouth at about six months old.

Q: Which is the first tooth to arrive?

A: The two lower front teeth are generally the first to appear, followed by the two upper front teeth. For some children, each new tooth erupts one at a time. For others, teeth can arrive in pairs or sets.

Q: When will my child stop teething?

A: Typically, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they reach three years of age.

Q: Is teething painful for children?

A: Signs and symptoms of teething vary from child to child. Some babies may feel little or no pain, while others show symptoms of teething that can last for weeks or months before a tooth erupts.

Q: What are the signs of teething in a baby?

A: While there is no single set of indicators, a baby may experience some or all of the following teething signs:

  • Red and slightly swollen gums
  • Red or flushed cheek(s)
  • Excessive drooling/dribbling
  • Chewing on objects
  • Ear pulling or cheek rubbing
  • Restlessness
  • Reduced appetite
  • Irritability

Q: Should I give my child a teething ring to ease discomfort?

A:  A teething ring can provide a safe and soothing item for your baby to chew on, as well as a mild distraction from the pain. Never use a frozen teething ring as it could damage your baby’s gum.

Q: Are there any other ways to ease the pain?

A: Try using a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to lightly rub your baby’s gums in the affected area. The counter-pressure should help ease any discomfort. For babies over six months, some cold natural yoghurt or chilled fruit purée can also provide great comfort and relief for hot and swollen gums.

Q: How can I prevent skin irritation from drooling?

A: Excessive drooling is part of the teething process. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to gently dry your baby’s chin, consider applying an approved moisturiser, and use a bib for additional comfort.

Q: Can I give my child medicine to relieve teething pain?

A: If your baby is experiencing a lot of pain and especially irritable, you may want to consider a suitable over-the-counter remedy such as children’s paracetamol, as recommended by your pharmacist.

Q: When should I first bring my child to the dentist?

A: Ideally before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives at around six months. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and give you an opportunity to ask questions on brushing, maintenance and diet.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

My First Dental Visit

Our My First Dental Visits offer is making a return during the month of March. This offer is for a free dental check-up for a child under the age of 5.

Terms & conditions:

  • Subject to availability.
  • Only valid between 1st – 31st March 2019.
  • This offer is available in all Dental Care Ireland practices, with the exception of the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine and Callan Dental.
  • Only one free appointment per family.
  • Selected dentists only.
  • This offer is not redeemable in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
  • Dental Care Ireland reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

Make a success of your child’s first dental visit

Your child’s first dental visit is a hugely important step towards making them feel comfortable and secure in what is a new environment

 

The old notion of the dentist as someone to be feared is thankfully long gone, but that doesn’t mean that everyone goes to their local practice completely free of nerves. These nerves generally derive from difficult trips to the dentist in childhood, or from exaggerated scare stories heard through the grapevine.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your child’s first dental visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so they can be properly introduced to an environment that is both safe and friendly.

How do children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth?

Children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth in size, colour and consistency. Generally, children’s teeth are smaller, thinner and whiter than adult teeth, which are bigger, darker, more dense and a little more yellow. Given the size and state of children’s teeth, it is important they get the care they need as early as possible to ensure their oral and dental health are as good as can be.

When should your child see the dentist for the first time?

Your child’s first dental visit should happen when the first tooth appears. This generally occurs when they are six months old.

What can you do to make the first visit as easy as possible?

There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s first dental visit goes as smoothly as possible.

First of all, go at a time that suits both you and your child, to make sure it’s a stress-free visit. Make sure they have had a sleep so they’re well rested, and also that they’re not hungry or cranky in any way, such as first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re rushed or stressed, your child will pick up on that and probably won’t be happy as a result.

You’ll want to give your child a decent bit of time to acclimatise to what is a new and strange environment for them! Dental practices are very bright and clean, and it’s important your child isn’t rushed in and out of the practice too quickly.

Parents are present at all times during the child’s first dental visit to put them at ease, and to hear about what the examination will entail, as well as take-home tips. The dental examination usually involves counting the child’s teeth to see how many have appeared.

Dentists are also looking for a growth pattern, to establish a baseline for what’s present and seeing if there are any tell-tale signs of issues down the line that they can advise on to prevent them becoming a problem.

Overall, the visit should be fun and enjoyable for the child, so that next time they visit, they aren’t scared or apprehensive.

What take-home messages do you need?

After your child’s first dental visit, you will gain some valuable insights into brushing techniques, some oral and dental health advice in general and dietary advice so your child isn’t eating or drinking too many sugary foods and drinks. This is particularly important as it will hopefully establish good dental habits for life.

Your dentist will want to closely monitor your child’s dental health, progression and growth in the months and years to come. If you follow these simple tips, you will greatly increase the chances of both a successful first dental visit for your child, as well as subsequent visits to come.

If you’re looking to book an appointment in one of our practices around the country, we can offer you the help and care that you need. Dental Care Ireland practices around the country open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours for more information

First Dental Visit

Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under the age of five.

To book your appointment, contact your nearest practice.

Terms & Conditions:

  • Subject to availability.
  • Only valid between 1st – 31st March 2018.
  • Not available at Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine.

Karen Koster launches ‘First Dental Visit’ campaign

Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five.

 

TV broadcaster and mum Karen Koster was joined this week by Kate O’Riordan (age 2) to launch Dental Care Ireland’s ‘First Dental Visit’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of establishing a good dental health routine from an early age. Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five.

Speaking at the launch, Karen Koster said, “We all know about teething and tooth fairies when it comes to our children’s dental health, but otherwise I think there can be a tendency to wait until a problem arises before seeking advice. At the baby and toddler stage in particular, it is so helpful to speak to a dentist and find out what you should or shouldn’t be doing to prevent potential issues from the outset. I am sure most parents will agree that it is a challenge to get any toddler to brush their teeth, but it’s all about establishing a routine and hopefully encouraging a habit for life.”

According to Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland, “Despite the fact that they will eventually fall out, the importance of deciduous or ‘baby’ teeth cannot be overstated. A good primary dentition helps your child to establish strong biting and chewing patterns, develop speech, and hold healthy space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

“Baby teeth are just as prone to cavities as permanent or ‘adult’ teeth. Teaching children to look after their baby teeth from an early age, will pave the way for a healthy adult mouth. Early attendance at the dentist is the cornerstone of good dental health, and a successful first dental visit can make all the difference.”

5 tips on a successful first dental visit

1. When to visit

The ideal time to bring your child to the dentist is before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives. This gives you, the parent, an opportunity to ask dietary and hygiene questions, and seek professional advice on best maintenance.

It also allows your dentist to establish a baseline record of your child’s dental health and development, safe-guarding the establishment of good dental health and preventing the premature loss of vital baby teeth through decay.

2. Appointment time

For a first visit, it is particularly important to ensure that your child is as relaxed as possible. Ideally, pick a time of day that suits you both, so that nobody feels too rushed, tired or hungry.

It is best if the appointment time does not interfere with nap routines, sports schedules or even a favourite programme!

3. Talk about teeth

It helps to be mindful of the language used in preparation for a dental visit. For example, use positive words and phrases such as check-up, counting teeth or looking at the mouth, rather than referring to unfamiliar terms such as extractions or fillings.

In advance, it can also be a good idea to introduce baby and child-friendly books or songs about brushing teeth or trips to the dentist.

4. Establish a brushing routine

As the first baby teeth arrive at approximately six months, it is often a good idea to introduce the concept of oral hygiene at this time. For very young infants, merging a brushing routine into bath time is an excellent way to inspire a regular dental health regime for the future. Incorporating supervised brushing into your child’s usual every day morning and evening schedules is key.

For 0-2 year olds, brushing with a toothbrush and water is best. From 2-7 years, children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. A useful tip is to bring along your child’s tooth brush to their dental check-up, so that the dentist can see that they are using the correct size and strength for their teeth.

5. What to expect

Depending on the child’s age, they can either sit on a parent’s lap for the examination, or else sit on the chair by themselves.

The dentist examines the child’s mouth and gums, in order to identify any issues such as decay, crowding problems, or developmental anomalies. If needed, they may take an X-ray. They will then polish the child’s teeth and offer the parent preventative hygiene and dietary advice.

Many dental practices now offer child-friendly waiting areas or surgeries, as well as post-visit rewards.

Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five. Click here to book an appointment