Heim and Johnson DDS Dentists in Glenwood Springs

Heim & Johnson Dentistry for Children

Your child's first teeth will begin coming in between three and sixteen months (usually around six months). Your child will continue to get new teeth until he has all twenty of his primary teeth. Children begin shedding their first teeth when they are around 6-7 years old, and this process is complete with the loss of the primary 2nd molars when he is about 11-13 years old.
Permanent teeth begin erupting at around 6-7 years of age and continues until your child gets his third molars (or wisdom teeth) when he is about 17-22 years old.

When should I begin cleaning my child's teeth? Once your child's teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child's toothbrush.

When should I take my child to the dentist? According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first visit to the dentist should be when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. An early visit to the dentist can help educate you about your child's oral health and proper hygiene. If your child doesn't have any risk factors for developing cavities, such as sleeping with a cup or bottle or walking around all day with a cup of juice, and if his teeth seem to be developing normally, then you can probably wait until your child is older and just ask your Pediatrician to check his teeth at each well child visit.

If your child has any problems, such as staining of his teeth, crowding or abnormal tooth development, or if he has any risk factors for developing cavities, then he should see a dentist earlier. You may also want to see a dentist if your child has any persistent habits, such as sucking his thumb or using a pacifier as a toddler or grinding his teeth at night.

Does my child need sealants? Sealants are usually applied to the back permanent teeth to help protect the grooves and pits of these teeth that can be hard to clean and are prone to developing cavities. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the teeth, hardens, and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances. Sealants should be applied to the 1st and 2nd permanent molars and appropriate premolars as soon as possible after they erupt (usually 6 years of age).

Follow these easy steps to keep teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime.
Visit the Dentist regularly.
Floss your teeth daily.
Use fluoride rinse for strong, healthy teeth and gums.
Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day… and remember to practice healthy eating and get plenty of calcium.
Wear a mouth guard when playing sports.
Ask your Dental Professional about Dental Sealants.

** Use fluoride with pediatrician recommendation**