Caring for your little one’s milk teeth is so important. Keeping a consistent oral hygiene routine is key to keeping a healthy mouth and developing good habits for your child. You want your children’s teeth to stay strong and healthy throughout their childhood.
Most children will have all their milk teeth through by the time they reach two to three years old. Whilst every child is different, they generally emerge in the following order:
- 5-7 months old: the bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear.
- 6-8 months old: the top front teeth will start to show.
- 9-11 months old: either side of the top front teeth will begin to come through.
- 10-12 months old: either side of the bottom front teeth will grow.
- 12-16 months old: the first back teeth should develop.
- 16-20 months old: the canines at the back of the mouth will begin to appear.
Milk teeth may seem tough, but the enamel is thinner than that on adult teeth, so they can be prone to tooth decay from sugary foods.
A good diet and regular brushing will ensure the tiny teeth are kept clean and healthy. Avoid giving your young child foods and drinks high in sugars – it is always best to stick to water alongside milk.
Ensure they don’t eat or drink anything other than water at bedtime after brushing their teeth.
Teeth Team is a school-based supervised tooth-brushing programme, incorporating clinical dental assessments, applications of fluoride varnish and the subsequent signposting for accessing primary and secondary dental care. It is a collaborative working partnership between local dental practices, government, schools, and parents in an effort to improve the dental health of children predominantly across Hull, East Riding, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and Nottingham.