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Being a parent means lots of jobs. One of those is showing your kids the path toward proper oral hygiene. You, and they, will be glad you made the effort in a lifetime of good teeth and gums. Since it all starts with the baby teeth, it helps to understand different factors about them, so here’s some info from Dr. Egger. 

What is primary dentition? 

Primary dentition sounds like something they used to do in a one-room schoolhouse. It just means the arrival of the 20 baby teeth. Called, for some maple tree-like reason, deciduous teeth, these will include four incisors, two canines, and four molars on each jaw. These begin erupting through the gums around the age of six months. One or two teeth will break through each month. 

When? 

The first teeth to come in are the bottom central incisors, followed by the four front teeth on the upper jaw. The rest of the teeth descend in pairs, usually one on each side. Your child should have around 10 teeth on top and bottom somewhere between 2 and 3 years old. These teeth will last until around 6 or 7 when they will start to shed, calling for many Tooth Fairy visits. Those deciduous teeth will be mostly gone by the age of 13, replaced by permanent teeth. 

Facts about those baby teeth 

Here are some facts about baby teeth you probably didn’t know: 

•     Girls get their teeth earlier than boys.
•     Teeth in the lower jaw erupt before those in the upper jaw.
•     Children who are shorter in height may have delayed tooth eruption.
•     If you live in a warmer climate, your kid’s teeth will come in earlier.
•     People living in urban areas get teeth faster than rural kids.
•     Birth rank can make older kids get their teeth earlier than their youngest brother or sister.

A couple tips 

1.   Don’t be remiss before the teeth come in. Before they erupt, clean your baby’s gums and the erupting teeth by rubbing a clean, damp washcloth along the baby’s upper and lower gums.

2.   When the teeth come in, start brushing your baby’s teeth at least two to three times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water.

Dr. Egger and our team are proud to provide oral healthcare for generations of Michiganders. When it’s time for your latest little one to see the dentist, we’ll be here. Call us at (989) 773-3560 to make your appointment.