Dental Health

We all know the importance of dental care for our children, here are a few helpful ideas to enhance that care.

At birth, all twenty primary teeth are already formed in the baby’s jaws.  They are hidden in bone and soft tissue until time comes to erupt in the mouth. There are also the beginning buds of some permanent teeth.

Teething is a natural process and before a baby’s teeth come through they will begin to “mouth” many different objects. It is important to remove any objects that may be dangerous to them, or small enough for a baby to swallow. When baby’s teeth are ready to erupt, their gums may become swollen and tender. Baby may become irritable and restless and may have increased drooling.

Rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or giving baby something like a teething ring to bite on may be soothing. A very cold teething ring from the refrigerator (not freezer) or a cold washcloth work best. The physician or dentist may prescribe something, when baby is extremely uncomfortable. These products are sometimes helpful. Teething symptoms usually vanish when the tooth erupts.

Eruption of primary teeth starts at about 6 months of age and is usually completed by age three. Approximately every six months four teeth erupt. It follows a specific pattern of centrals, laterals, first molars, canines and second molars with the lower teeth coming through before the upper teeth.

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Here in Guernsey we mainly have to rely on private dentistry services for children and adults.  There are circumstances where we can get assistance from the States for treatment for children. Click here for more information.

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