Dental health is an important part of the overall good health of every child. Children who have poor dental health may experience pain and infection in their teeth and gums. This can lead to associated symptoms, such as poor nutrition due to mouth pain that prevents a child from eating properly. Poor self-esteem and problems with speech development may also result from poor dental health.

From the time a baby is born, proper care of the teeth and gums is an essential part of maintaining good health. During the second trimester of pregnancy, teeth begin to form in the fetus. When a baby is born, teeth are not usually evident. However, 20 primary teeth lurk just beneath the gums, many of which are in the jaw and fully formed. Dental care is important even before the teeth begin to show. After feedings, parents are urged to run a damp washcloth over the baby’s gums to keep bacteria from building up.

The first tooth usually appears sometime between 5 months and 8 months of age. All primary teeth have usually emerged by the time a child is 30 months old. Once teeth begin to appear, they can be brushed with a soft children’s toothbrush or gauze can be rubbed over the teeth. This should be done at the end of each day.

Although a child’s primary teeth eventually will be replaced by permanent teeth, it is important to care for these initial teeth. Infants can develop a specific condition called bottle mouth which occurs when tooth enamel is degraded. Cavities, discoloration and pock marks are symptoms of the condition. Poor maintenance of primary teeth can cause them to fall out early, which in turn can cause permanent teeth to emerge through the gums prematurely. Premature permanent teeth may not have enough room in the mouth to come in properly, and therefore may appear crooked.

Eventually, a child’s primary teeth begin to fall out. The middle teeth in front (incisors) typically fall out at about age 6. Molars in the back are shed between the ages of 10 and 12. By age 13, children usually have their permanent teeth.

Teeth are vulnerable to plaque, a clear film that sticks to teeth and attracts bacteria and sugar. As the bacteria feed on the sugar, it is broken down into acid that begins to eat into the enamel of the teeth. This causes holes known as cavities that cause pain in the tooth. In addition, plaque can cause gums to become red, swollen and sore. This condition is known as gingivitis, or gum disease. Fluoride varnish on primary teeth and sealants on permanent teeth may help prevent tooth decay and cavities in children.