There’s nothing like seeing your kid smile the first time they wake up and see money from the tooth fairy under their pillow. They start to look forward to losing baby teeth and getting their adult teeth. The question is, at what age should your child have all their permanent teeth? A pediatric dentist in Irving can help you learn the answer.
When Do Permanent Teeth Start Erupting?
Adult teeth start erupting, or coming in, around age 6. These teeth are the first permanent molars, often called “six-year molars.” Because these teeth are permanent, they must be properly taken care of. Molars are the teeth most susceptible to decay. The six-year molars help determine the shape of the child’s lower face and affect the position of other permanent teeth.
Primary teeth, or baby teeth, generally start falling out around the same time. From ages 6 to 13, baby teeth gradually fall out.
When Do Adult Teeth Stop Coming In?
By age thirteen, your child should have 28 out of their 32 permanent teeth.
The last four of the permanent teeth are wisdom teeth, or third molars. Normally these teeth begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Third molars are often not needed for chewing and can be difficult to clean since they are so far back in the mouth. Your children’s dentist in Irving might recommend a preemptive removal of wisdom teeth to prevent potential complications.
Why Should I Take Care of My Child’s Baby Teeth?
Since primary teeth are only in the mouth for a short time, it can be tempting to not give them the care they deserve. However, they play a vital role in your child’s developing mouth in a few ways:
- They reserve space in the mouth for permanent teeth.
- They help your child speak clearly.
- Missing or decayed teeth can make it difficult to chew, so your child might reject certain healthy foods.
- Decay and infection in baby teeth can cause dark spots on the developing permanent teeth.
Every kid is different, and that includes their teeth. If you have questions regarding your child’s smile, feel free to contact your dentist for kids in Irving with questions!
About the Practice
We at Rio Dental & Orthodontics understand that the dentist’s office isn’t most kids’ favorite place to be. We offer a private movie theater and video games in our waiting room and reward children with a toy for good behavior after the appointment. Our team of eight dentists, including two Board-certified orthodontists and one Board-certified pediatric dentist, will make sure your child receives the best and most enjoyable care possible. For more information about your child’s teeth, visit our website or call us at (972)-746-2533.
