First or 'baby' teeth have usually developed before your child is born and will start to come through at around 6 months.  All 20 baby teeth should be through by the age of 2.

The first permanent "adult" molars (back teeth) will appear at about 6 years of age, behind the baby teeth and before the first teeth start to fall out at approximately age 6 or 7.  The adult teeth will then replace the baby teeth.  It is usually the lower front teeth that are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth shortly after.  All adult teeth should be in place by age of 13, except wisdom teeth.  These may erupt any time between 18 and 25 years of age.  All children are different and develop at different rates.

Cleaning your child's teeth should be part of their daily hygiene routine.  It is advised that a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1000ppm of fluoride is used to brush your child's teeth - they should be supervised up to the age of 7 and make sure they spit out the toothpaste and not swallow any if possible, do not rinse.  A tooth brush suitable for the child's age with a small head is advised.  Thorough brushing twice a day, particularly last thing at night, will help to prevent tooth decay.

Toothache is painful and upsetting, especially for children, and the main cause is tooth decay.  This is due to too much sugar, too often, in the diet.  Teething is also another problem that causes pain, the first at around 6 months and continue as all the adult teeth start to come through.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential in helping your child to get used to the surroundings.  A child can be much more anxious if it is their first visit to a dental practice.  Pain and distress can happen at any time, so it is important to prepare your child with regular visits.

We encourage parents/guardians to bring their children along with them when they are having a dental examination.  It is reassuring for them to see 'mum or dad ect' that a dentist looking in their mouth is perfectly normal and will help put them at ease when it is their turn.