About Teeth

From the time your child’s first tooth appears, it is important to make sure their dental health is taken care of. Your child’s first tooth should appear at about seven months. This is when you should first start to use a toothbrush and toothpaste, though it is also important to regularly clean your infant’s mouth and gums with a soft rag or infant cloth. (This will help maintain your child’s overall oral health and protect them from infant-associated diseases.)

By the time your child turns 3, all 20 of their primary (baby) teeth should be visible. Even before this happens, our pediatric dentist will often ask parents to start teaching their children proper at-home brushing. Only use a small (pea-sized) amount of toothpaste, making sure your child spits out any extra paste. As your child grows older, daily flossing should also be added to their routine.

Eventually, your child’s primary teeth will be lost, leaving room for their secondary (adult) teeth to erupt. The incisors, canines, premolars (bicuspids), molars and wisdom teeth make up the 32 adult teeth. These should appear in a child’s early teens, from 12 to 14. If you as a parent notice any abnormalities within your child’s teeth, call 801-519-2222 for a dental appointment in Salt Lake City, Utah, to meet with Dr. Ryan Johansen at Rose Park Pediatric Dentistry.