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Common dental questions
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Posted on Feb 03 2005
By Lori Demaine, RDH, BS
Special to the Saipan Tribune
At what age do children start to loose their baby teeth? And how long does it take until all adult teeth are in place?
Children can start losing their baby teeth anywhere from about the age of 5 to about 7. Usually the two front teeth on the bottom are the first teeth to be replaced. Your second molars typically appear by ages 12 to 13. Some people have third molars, which are sometimes called “wisdom teeth;” these can appear after age 16.
Should children use a different toothbrush than adults?
Children should use smaller brushes with shorter brushing plancs in proportion to the size of their mouths. Most children use brushes that are too big to be easily maneuvered into small spaces in their mouth. By the way, in addition to changing brush every three months or when the bristles appear worn, it’s a good idea to toss those brushes after a cold or sore throat!
Should children use the same toothpaste as adults?
All that you need from your toothpaste is the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from cavities. The time you should spend brushing and your technique are more important, so go with the flavor you prefer. Children should not be encouraged to use the baking soda or tartar control toothpastes, however, as these pastes tend to be more abrasive then traditional pastes. Remember only a pea-sized drop of paste on your brush is all that is necessary.
Why is candy and other sugary food bad for teeth?
Sugar on the tooth surface is changed to acid within five minutes time. The acid acts to dissolve the tooth surface. When this happens often enough, the tooth surface breaks down. At first you see white spots (known as area demineralization), then dental decay occurs.
How many times each day should teeth be brushed? And when?
The two really important times to brush your teeth are in the morning after breakfast and at night before you go to bed. Any extra time you brush during the day is great, particularly after eating sticky and sugary foods.
