All twenty baby (or primary) teeth come in by the time your child is two or three years old.
Primary teeth
If your child is getting his or her teeth and seems to be in pain, you can:
Here's what you should not do:
Permanent teeth
At age six or seven, the first adult (or permanent) teeth come in. They are known as the first molars or six-year molars. They come in at the back of the mouth, behind the last baby (or primary) teeth. They do not replace any primary teeth. Also at around age six, children start to lose their primary teeth. The roots slowly get weak, and the tooth falls out. Children lose primary teeth until they are about 12 years old.
It's okay for children to wiggle their primary teeth if they are loose. But it's not okay to use force to pull out a tooth that's not ready to come out. When a tooth comes out at the right time, there will be very little bleeding.
Why do the new permanent teeth look yellow?
Permanent teeth often look more yellow than primary teeth. This is normal. But it could also be caused by medicine your child took, by an accident that hurt a primary tooth, or by too much fluoride. Ask your dentist about this when you go for a check-up.
Healthy gums
Cavities are the main problem children have with their teeth. But children can get gum disease too, just like adults. It happens when the gums that hold our teeth in place get infected. Daily brushing and flossing can stop gum disease. If your child's gums bleed, don't stop brushing. If the gums are always swollen, sore or bleeding, there may be a serious problem. You should take your child to the dentist.
Dental safety
Here are some ways to protect your child's teeth: