A human being has 2 sets of dentation; 20 milk teeth and 22 permanent teeth.  Milk teeth will develop first, replaced by the permanent teeth. 

When will my child begin to develop teeth?
 
A baby’s teeth will develop in the very early stages of the foetus life at 4 months and upon birth, baby teeth will erupt at 6-7 months.  By the age of 2 years (26 months), your child would have a full set of 20 milk teeth. 

* Please note that if your child’s teeth haven’t erupted during this period, it is no cause for panic as the duration is subject to vary +/- 3 months. That is to say they could develop it 3 months before or after 6 months of age.

How do I start brushing my child’s teeth?

Make brushing a game. Catch your child in a happy mood and brush twice, methodically starting from one end covering all surfaces of their teeth to the other end. 

Who’s a paediatric dentist?

A paediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. 

Paediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

When do I take my child to see the dentist?

It’s recommended that you take your child to the dentist when your child is 12 months old.  The dentist is trained and equipped to spot any cavities in the enamel which are not visible to the untrained eye and can easily rectify the damage. 

How do I prepare my child for the dentist?

The trick is to not wait until your child is in pain to take him to the dentist. Take your child along with you when you go for a visit so that the child becomes used to the environment and won’t associate it with any trauma. 

How do I prepare my child for the dentist?

The trick is to not wait until your child is in pain to take him to the dentist. Take your child along with you when you go for a visit so that the child becomes used to the environment and won’t associate it with any trauma. 

* Based on a discussion with Dr. Dileep De Silva, immediate past President of SLD and consultant in dental public health. 

Text by Panchali Illankoon