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Four Developmental Milestones in Your Child's Oral Health

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We've all compared our children's milestones in the early years – height and weight, as well as when they first smiled, laughed or crawled. But do you remember their dental developmental milestones? Many parents may remember when the first tooth erupted, but more important dental moments pale in comparison to that first drooling grin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children's milestones are measured by how they learn, speak, move, behave and play. In oral health, developmental milestones are also important to your child's ability to eat and smile.

Baby Teeth Eruption

Even before the first tooth erupts, the primary (baby) teeth are completing their formation in your infant's jaw. The eruption of the first baby tooth paves the way for future dental checkpoints. From baby teeth to wisdom teeth, the level of care will determine the quality of your child's smile, and ultimately their overall health. The Indian Dental Association recommends that parents should take their child to the dentist for an initial checkup after the first tooth appears, but only after the child is a year old, and regularly after their first birthday and at regular intervals thereafter. And yes, baby teeth matter! They hold space for the permanent teeth, facilitate speech and nourishment and should be maintained until they naturally exfoliate.

Brushing, Bottle-Feeding and Thumb-Sucking

Once the baby teeth arrive, protect them as they allow the jaw to develop. Taking your child to the dentist as a toddler allows their oral health to be monitored for early problems and abnormalities. It's important to monitor the following:

  • Supervised and supported brushing and flossing
  • Thumb- or finger-sucking effects and cessation
  • Nutrition and baby bottle use
  • Supplemental fluoride treatments

Baby teeth can develop cavities if they lack homecare or have a diet that is high in fructose sugars, especially when ingested through a bottle. Your dentist or dental hygienist can advise you on what should be put in a bottle and when to discontinue bottle use. Additionally, they can provide instruction on oral hygiene and fluoride treatment to prevent decay. According to the Indian Dental Association, there are many benefits of using pacifiers and therefore they are usually recommended for new mothers, but the IDA recommends not to use pacifiers dipped in honey, sugar, juice or sweetened drinks as that can lead to tooth decay. By seeking dental care early, your baby will be on the right track for healthy development.

Mixed Dentition

Once kids begin to lose baby teeth and the permanent teeth begin to erupt, they have a "mixed dentition," which brings specific concerns. Your child may begin to participate in sports, show signs of teeth crowding and make poor choices in their diet. Again, your dental professional will recognise what preventative or interventional treatment is necessary. This may include:

  • A sports mouth guard to protect the teeth and jaw.
  • Referral to an orthodontist.
  • Nutritional counselling to help your child make healthy dietary choices.
  • Fluoride treatment and dental sealants to prevent further decay.

Braces and Wisdom Teeth

Once your child enters their teen years, stress the connection between a healthy mouth and healthy body. Teenagers can appreciate how important a healthy smile is, and take responsibility for keeping it that way. At this age, they may have braces or just finished orthodontic treatment. Teenagers' oral hygiene habits for the prevention of cavities and gum disease should be a priority as well, and the eruption of the wisdom teeth need monitoring. Their dentist or dental hygienist can provide the tools needed to transition to a healthy adult mouth. They will focus on the following:

  • Proper diet, nutrition and exercise.
  • Brushing, flossing and fluoride use to curb specific problems.
  • Monitoring the eruption of wisdom teeth and referral to oral surgeon if needed.

Most teenagers will not have enough space in the jaw for the third molars to erupt. If this is the case, it is vital to have them removed to avoid future problems – including infection, pain and physical effect on adjacent teeth. Very often, if they have had braces, the orthodontist will watch these teeth by taking a special x-ray and making the oral surgery referral him- or herself.

Developmental milestones are important in your child's life, from infancy to young adulthood. Your understanding of these milestones can transition to them taking responsibility for their overall health as an adult. By beginning dental care early and upholding regular visits to the dentist, you're setting your child on the right track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

About the author: Donna Rounsaville, RDH, BSc, has been a dental hygienist in private practice for 31 years. She has used her experience with the prevention of dental problems and the importance of healthy eating to educate children in local schools in her hometown of Flemington, New Jersey. Donna is also passionate about infection control and office safety for dental workers, providing yearly training to her office colleagues. Active with the Girl Scouts as a leader and with children's liturgy at her church, Donna uses her communication and leadership skills to motivate young people in her community. She has been writing for Colgate since 2013.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.