Skip to content 
Nobody knows better than us at The Big Tooth in Saskatoon how important your child’s smile is to you. As a parent, you might wonder about your child’s first teeth and how to care for them. And that’s why The Big Tooth exists!
Understanding the functions of primary teeth and their concerns is the first step to ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles. So, without wasting any more time, let’s make more informed decisions for your baby’s teeth. Shall we?
When Do Primary Teeth Come In?
Your child’s first teeth, also known as baby teeth, typically appear around five to six months of age. But don’t worry if your little one is an early or late bloomer—every child develops at their own pace! By their first birthday, most children will have about six teeth, usually starting with the lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth), followed by the top four front teeth.
When your child is three years old, they should have a full set of 20 primary teeth—10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. These teeth are not just placeholders; they play an essential role in eating, speech development, and preparing the mouth for adult teeth.
How to Soothe Teething Discomfort
Teething can be a challenging phase for both parents and little ones. Here are some simple ways to ease their discomfort:
- Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean, cool cloth or finger to relieve pressure.
- Provide a chilled (not frozen) teething ring to help numb sore gums.
- If your baby has started solids, try offering chilled fruits like bananas or cucumbers.
- Sometimes, a little extra love and attention is all they need to get through the discomfort!
Note: Avoid using sugary teething biscuits or over-the-counter gels that contain harmful ingredients, as they can contribute to early tooth decay.
Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?
Since baby teeth eventually fall out, some assume they don’t require much care. But primary teeth serve several vital functions:
1. Teeth help guide the tongue and lips, allowing children to form sounds correctly.
2. Healthy teeth help your child chew food properly, ensuring they get the nutrients they need for growth.
3. Baby teeth act as natural placeholders for permanent teeth. Losing them too early can lead to misalignment issues, requiring orthodontic treatment later.
4. A full, healthy smile encourages children to speak, laugh, and engage with others confidently.
Caring for Your Child’s Primary Teeth
Good oral hygiene should start early! Here’s how you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy:
- Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears using a soft-bristled brush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Increase to a pea-sized amount at age three.
- Sugary snacks and juice can cause cavities. Instead, opt for water, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Schedule your child’s first dental appointment by age one to ensure their teeth are developing properly.
- Until your child is around six to eight years old, help them brush to ensure they reach all areas.
Losing Baby Teeth & Growing Permanent Teeth
Around age six, your child will start losing their baby teeth as permanent teeth begin to emerge. This process continues until about age 12 or 13. The first teeth to go are typically the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth.
Your child’s adult molars gradually grow and position themselves to create a stable dental structure. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood, but extraction might be necessary if they lead to tooth misalignment.
Have your child visit a dentist after a premature baby tooth loss caused by dental decay or injury. Premature loss of primary teeth leads to future orthodontic requirements since it creates spacing and alignment problems.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Visit at The Big Tooth
Your child’s bright smile holds great value, so the Big Tooth team devotes itself to maintaining that brightness. If you have questions about your little one’s oral health or need to schedule a check-up, our friendly team at The Big Tooth in Saskatoon is happy to assist you.
