When do adult teeth erupt?
Adult teeth usually start coming in around age 6, beginning with the first molars, which appear behind baby teeth. These molars often go unnoticed, so it’s important to supervise brushing to prevent decay. Around the same time, the lower and upper front teeth will start to come in, replacing baby teeth.
New adult teeth may come in at an angle or appear crowded, but the jaw will grow to accommodate them. It's normal for adult teeth to look darker than baby teeth due to thicker enamel. By age 13, most children will have 28 adult teeth, with wisdom teeth appearing between ages 18-25.
Is it safe to pull a wobbly tooth?
Avoid pulling your child's wobbly tooth. Only the child can determine how loose it is and how painful removing it may be. Let them gently wiggle it with their tongue until it naturally falls out with minimal bleeding.
What to do if a tooth gets knocked out
If a baby tooth is knocked out, make a dentist appointment to check for potential damage. For an adult tooth, it’s an emergency.
Follow these steps:
- Hold the tooth by the crown (top), avoiding the root.
- Rinse with milk or water for no more than 10 seconds (don’t scrub).
- Place the tooth back in the socket within 30 minutes or store it in milk or saliva.
- Seek emergency dental care immediately.
Ensuring your child brushes regularly
Supervise toothbrushing until your child is 7-8 years old. After that, check if the toothbrush is wet to ensure they brushed. Use a family toothpaste with 1350-1500 ppm fluoride and only a pea-sized amount.
- Brush together to demonstrate good technique.
- Use a timer or apps like *Brush DJ* to make sure they brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.
- Try disclosing tablets to reveal missed plaque, making it easier for them to brush effectively.
Disclosing tablets are available in most supermarkets and chemists.
Brush DJ is an award-winning, free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music taken from your device to encourage effective toothbrushing. The app also allows you to set reminders for brushing twice a day.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride, a natural mineral in water and foods, strengthens tooth enamel and reduces acid production, protecting teeth from decay. In some areas of the UK, fluoride is added to drinking water, reducing tooth decay by up to 60%.
Children aged 3+ should receive fluoride varnish twice a year (up to 4 times if needed) to prevent decay. This simple, banana-flavoured treatment is provided by dentists.
Is fluoride safe?
Fluoride is proven to reduce tooth decay without harmful side effects. Overexposure may cause white spots on teeth, but the risk from fluoride varnish is minimal.
Is thumb-sucking a problem?
Most children stop thumb-sucking by age 2-4, but if it continues beyond age 5-6, it can push front teeth forward. If the habit stops before adult teeth come in, permanent issues are unlikely. Orthodontic treatment (braces) can correct any misalignment if needed.
What is tongue-thrusting?
Tongue-thrusting involves pressing the tongue against the lips while swallowing, which can push front teeth out of alignment and affect speech. Consult a GP or school nurse for a referral to a speech therapist if needed.
What if a baby tooth is lost early?
Premature loss of a baby tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, potentially misaligning the adult tooth. A dentist may recommend a space saver to keep neighbouring teeth in place.