Salt Lake Valley Health Department
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Baby's and Children's Teeth
Oral Health Program
2001 South State Street, S2400
P.O. Box 144575
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4575
(385) 468-4058
Care for your baby’s teeth
- Start caring for your baby’s mouth at birth.
- After feeding wipe your baby’s mouth with a soft cloth and water or a soft baby toothbrush and water.
- Prevents early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay) and can also help with teething.
- Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle filled with milk or juice. This causes early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay).
- Avoid giving your child juice in a bottle. If given juice encourage your child to drink juice from a cup.
- Brush your baby’s teeth with a baby toothbrush or a soft child’s toothbrush and a little water when the first tooth appears.
- Your baby should see a pediatric dentist about the time the first tooth comes in around (6-12 months).
- Children should be weaned off a bottle around 12-14 months of age.
Care for your child’s teeth
- Children should brush their teeth at least 2 times a day.
- Young children should have adult supervision or help while brushing teeth.
- Children over 2 years old should use a soft child’s toothbrush with only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Spit out remaining toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing.
Primary Teeth Eruption Chart
|
Upper Teeth |
Erupt |
Shed |
|---|---|---|
| Central Incisor |
8-12 months |
6-7 years |
| Lateral Incisor |
9-13 months |
7-8 years |
| Canine (Cuspid) |
16-22 months |
10-12 years |
| First Molar |
13-19 months |
9-11 years |
| Second Molar |
25-33 months |
10-12 years |
| Lower Teeth |
Erupt |
Shed |
| Central Incisor |
23-31 months |
10-12 years |
| Lateral Incisor |
14-18 months |
9-11 years |
| Canine (Cuspid) |
17-23 months |
9-12 years |
| First Molar |
10-16 months |
7-8 years |
| Second Molar |
6-10 months |
6-7 years |
Additional Information
Brushing Children’s Teeth and Gums (228 KB)
Sealants
What are Sealants? What do they do?
- Sealants are a protective coating placed in the grooves (pits and fissures) of the molars.
- Sealants prevent tooth decay (caries/cavities) by preventing bacteria from building in the grooves (pits and fissures).
- Sealants are a quick and easy way to protect teeth from bacteria that cause caries (cavities) and there is little if any discomfort to have sealants placed on teeth.
What is the process for getting Sealants?
- First the dentist or hygienist cleans and dries off the tooth.
- Second the sealant is applied to the grooves (pits and fissures) of the tooth.
- Third the sealant is bonded (hardened) to the tooth by using a special light.
When should I have sealants placed on my children’s teeth?
- Sealants should be placed on children’s teeth around the time the first molars come in and when the second molars come in. Approximately 2nd and 6th grade.
- Call your dentist to set up an appointment for you child to receive sealants.
What if I can’t afford to have sealants put on my child’s teeth?
- Sealants for Smiles is a non-profit program working in Title 1 and low income elementary schools to put sealants children’s teeth for FREE!
- See if Sealants for Smiles will be coming to your child’s school.
Additional Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Dental Sealants FAQ