From the time your child begins teething to the moment their last baby tooth falls out, it’s important to practice proper dental care with them. Your little one will have two sets of teeth during their life: primary and secondary. Each stage comes with its own set of milestones, and you need to know how to care for teeth at each stage of development.

Baby Teeth

At around four months of age, the first signs of teething will appear. The two front teeth in the lower jaw come through first, followed by those in the upper jaw. This process can be uncomfortable, and parents might have a fussier baby than usual on their hands. Other signs of teething include drooling and sore gums. Once the process is complete — it usually takes between 20 and 30 months — your child will have 20 baby teeth.

Dental care is simple at this stage. Gums should be wiped down with a cool, soft wet cloth. Once their first teeth come in, parents can switch to using a soft-bristled toothbrush with water. Toothpaste should only be used once the child reaches 3 years of age.

Losing Baby Teeth

At around 4 to 7 years of age, you might notice your child wiggling a loose tooth in their mouth. This means their mouths are beginning to make way for a permanent set of teeth. Baby teeth typically fall out in the same order they came in.

Once the loose tooth falls out, your child’s gums might bleed a bit. This is normal; have them swish some water around their mouth to take care of it. If bleeding persists, have them bite down on clean gauze or a towel until it stops.

Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth won’t come through right away and your child might have an adorable gap for a few weeks in the meantime. Once a child’s teeth are touching, it’s time to introduce them to proper flossing habits in addition to their brushing routine. At this stage, parents should schedule regular checkups and teeth cleaning every six months.

You want the best for your child, and so does the experienced pediatric dentist at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Jon Hanks and his trusted team have extensive training in pediatric dental care and understand children and adolescents. Whether your son is due for his annual teeth cleaning or your daughter has her first cavity, kids will feel at ease in this dentist’s chair. Learn more about the Wisconsin dentistry online or by calling (608) 782-4054.