Fissure Sealant Procedure
About your child’s teeth
Children’s teeth start to develop before birth. There are two sets of teeth: milk teeth (sometimes called baby teeth) and permanent teeth.
Milk teeth
Children usually have 20 milk teeth. They start to push through the gums (erupt) at about six months. Most children have all 20 teeth by the age of two or three. However, this can vary so don’t worry if your child’s teeth come in faster or slower than this.
Your child’s milk teeth are important for eating, speech, smiling and confidence. They are also important for the development of permanent teeth, so it’s very important to look after them.
Permanent teeth
Permanent teeth usually start to erupt at the age of six. Adults have up to 32 permanent teeth.
Most of these will erupt by the age of 13. However, wisdom teeth (those at the very back of the mouth) often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, if at all.
If your child’s permanent teeth are damaged or need to be removed, there won’t be another set of natural teeth to replace them.
What can damage my child’s teeth?
Many children fall over and bump their teeth accidentally. If this happens, take your child and the tooth if it has been knocked out to your dentist for advice as quickly as possible. If you can’t get to your dentist, contact the nearest dentist.
Tooth decay and dental erosion are two preventable causes of damage to children’s teeth.
Tooth decay
Our mouths are full of bacteria that build up on the teeth in a sticky layer called plaque. These bacteria digest some of the sugar in our food and drinks, making acids that can weaken the tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of teeth). If acid remains on the tooth surface for a long time, it can cause those areas of the tooth to decay. This can happen if children often have sugary foods or drinks, or don’t clean their teeth properly.
If your child has tooth decay that isn’t treated by a dentist, it will eventually reach the centre of the tooth and can cause an infection or toothache.
Dental erosion
Dental erosion is the gradual wearing away of the enamel on the whole surface of the tooth. It’s caused by acid attacking the surfaces of the teeth. These acids usually come from drinks such as fruit juices, fizzy drinks and squashes – even the sugar-free varieties. These drinks are so popular that over half of all five-year-olds in the UK have some dental erosion. Acids can also be produced if your child vomits or has stomach problems.
Dental erosion can cause sensitivity and pain. Although enamel doesn’t grow back, dental erosion doesn’t usually need treatment. If your child has a seriously eroded tooth, his or her dentist may protect the tooth with a filling.
How can I protect my child’s teeth?
Please click here to find out more about protecting your child’s teeth
