Parents play an important role in the growth of kids, and they expect their kids can grow up safely and healthily. I’m wondering if you as one of the parents have ever had the following questions. If so, don't miss this article.

1. Is it necessary to brush babies’ teeth?

Yes, it is. Before tooth eruption, mothers can wrap a gauze soaked in warm salty water around the index finger and wipe the babies’ gums after every meal. Once the first tooth erupts, mothers can start brushing the babies’ teeth. Kids can be trained to brush teeth on their own at the age of 2 or 3 years;

2. What causes black on child's teeth?

Black on child's teeth or the falling of child’s teeth are attributed to enamel hypoplasia. Calcium deficiency in children makes the enamel rough and uneven, easy to catch food debris. The decomposition of food in the mouth generates a large amount of organic acid which will erode the teeth with enamel hypoplasia, causing the white teeth to turn brown or black, and even fall off;

3. How to prevent deciduous tooth caries?

Developing good diet and oral hygiene habits. Parents must feed less foods with high sugar content to babies. If the baby is too young or has no self-care ability, parents must use gauze and toothbrush to clean the baby’s teeth, and help the baby to rinse mouth with water;

4. The deciduous tooth caries can be left untreated, as they will be replaced by permanent teeth. Is that true?

This is not true. Although the deciduous teeth are to be replaced by permanent teeth, the tooth caries will affect the functions of the deciduous teeth including mastication, pronunciation and appearance. In severe cases, it may even impact the development and eruption of the permanent teeth, resulting in abnormal dentition. So the deciduous tooth caries must be treated in timely manner;

5. Is tooth decay linked to genetics?

Current research suggests that environmental factors have a great impact on the occurrence of tooth decay, so do genetic factors. Genetic factors can affect all aspects of the oral cavity. Besides, dietary structures, intake of trace elements, lifestyle and even climate and soils are also factors which can cause tooth decay;

6. Will the teeth erupted after the age of 6 be replaced?

Normally, the first permanent tooth is erupted at the age of 6, and the deciduous teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth at 6-12 years old. The second permanent molar grows at the age of 11-13, and the third permanent molar (commonly known as wisdom tooth) at 21. At this moment the complete dentition of permanent teeth is formed. Permanent teeth are the chewing organs we will use for whole life, so they will not be replaced;

7. What if the child has gaps between teeth or crooked teeth?

The deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth at the age of 6-12 years. If there are gaps or misalignment in permanent teeth, you can consider to treat it through orthodontic treatment. Some cases should be treated during 6-12 years old. The opinion that teeth should not be straightened until they are replaced is wrong.

8. Will the extracted teeth of child over 12 years old grow back?

It depends on what kind of teeth the extracted teeth are. Retained deciduous teeth or permanent teeth? Retained deciduous tooth with a permanent tooth germ underneath can regrow, while the permanent tooth cannot.