February is National Children’s Dental Health Month Published Feb. 14, 2008 By 375th Dental Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Now is an excellent time for members of the Scott AFB Dental Squadron to disseminate valuable information regarding the care and maintenance of children's teeth. Between six and eight months, a child's first tooth should be erupting through the gum tissue. A visit to a local dentist is recommended after a child's first tooth has come in, or at least by their first birthday. This allows the dentist to evaluate the dentition and answer any questions parents might have. All 20 of the primary, or baby, teeth should be present by the 26th to 36th month. These age ranges are averages as tooth eruption varies with each child. The same goes for when children begin to lose their primary teeth. Most children will start losing their primary teeth around age 5, with the first permanent tooth typically erupting around the age of six. Primary teeth are lost due to the resorption of their roots caused by the growth and eruption of the underlying permanent teeth. The process of losing primary teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth will continue until the child is 12 years old. Between 18-21 years of age, we see the development of the third molars. Although primary teeth are not permanent, they are still very important to a child's oral health for several reasons. The principal reason is for proper chewing and eating. Children need teeth to chew just as adults do. Primary teeth also act to maintain space and help guide the permanent teeth into the correct positions. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, and adequate steps are not taken to maintain the space, problems such as crowding of the permanent teeth could occur. When primary teeth are lost prematurely, the most common cause is due to cavities. This can be prevented with some simple oral hygiene habits. Daily brushing should begin as soon as a child's first tooth erupts. This can be done with a soft toothbrush, damp wash cloth or gauze with or without non-fluoridated toothpaste. A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste can be used once a child is old enough not to swallow it. Parents should either brush their child's teeth or supervise their child's brushing twice a day until it is determined that the child can do an adequate job, usually around eight to ten years of age. Proper brushing technique involves placing a soft bristle toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, starting along the gum line, and moving it in a gentle, circular motion. All surfaces of the teeth are brushed in the same manner. Other important ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums are to develop good eating habits. Specifically, reducing sugar intake, avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice. Also it is important to schedule routine dental visits. In the long run, parents and children will appreciate the time spent maintaining their healthy teeth and gums. Remember, it is important to teach children good oral hygiene habits at an early age to help prevent dental problems in the future.