How do I answer the questions my kids have about their teeth?

Children are naturally inquisitive and ask a lot of great questions. If your kids are starting to take interest in their dental health, there are some simple ways to answer. In fact, we’re going to give you some facts about teeth as a cheat sheet of sorts for several of the most common questions kids have about their teeth. But don’t worry—if your answer doesn’t satisfy them for whatever reason, you can always have your children ask the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Kearney when they come in for their next preventive dental checkup. 

In the meantime, here are answers to some of kids’ favorite teeth-related questions:

What are teeth made of?

There are four major parts of the tooth: enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. 

The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth, and it is made of calcified tissue. There are no living cells in the enamel layer, so if there is an issue, your body can’t repair it on its own—only a dentist can fix it.

The next layer of your tooth is the dentin, and it is what contributes to the color of your teeth. This part of your tooth has microscopic tubes in it. This is why cavities can cause sensitivity: If it is deep enough to reach past the enamel into the dentin, your dentin layer can feel it because it is sensitive to heat and cold.

Cementum is the hard substance that covers the tooth’s roots. It is what the connective fibers in the gums hold on to. This is what keeps the tooth firmly in place.

The pulp is the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels live.

How many teeth do I have?

You are born with all of your teeth in your jaw—but none of them are fully formed yet. By age 3, most kids have their full set of 20 baby teeth, while all 32 permanent teeth won’t finish erupting until closer to age 18 or later (if you’re counting permanent teeth).

You start to get your baby teeth around 6 months old. The bottom two center teeth are usually the first to come through, followed by the top two center teeth. Baby teeth typically erupt in pairs a few months apart. You then start to lose your primary teeth from around age 6 until age 12. Wisdom teeth don’t erupt until the late teen years.

Will my dentist know if I’m not brushing my teeth?

Yes, your dentist will know if you aren’t brushing your teeth at all or if you are not brushing well! If you are having trouble, the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Kearney will be more than happy to show you the best way to brush your teeth.

To brush correctly, you need to have the right equipment. That starts with the right size toothbrush. It should be small enough that you can reach all areas of your mouth without any issues. It should also have soft bristles. Next, you want a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride is an important mineral that helps to keep the enamel layer of the tooth hard. Look for the American Dental Association, or ADA, seal of approval on your dental products. This means that the ADA recommends those products for their patients.

Now that you have the right tools, you can brush away. Begin with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. (For toddlers, even less toothpaste if recommended: an amount similar to a grain of rice.) Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums, begin brushing the surfaces of each tooth in small, circular motions. It should take you at least two minutes to brush all your teeth, and you should be brushing at least twice a day. Remember, it’s not a race, so take the time to care for your teeth!

Why do I need to floss?

Since a toothbrush can’t get all the way between your teeth, you need to floss. The floss can easily slide between the teeth and wipe away harmful germs that like to hide there.

To floss properly, take a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long and wrap the majority of it around your middle fingers. Then, holding it firmly between your index fingers and thumbs, slide it gently between two teeth. Maneuver the floss up and down one side of the tooth to dislodge any sticky plaque, forming a “C” shape when you reach the gumline so you can gently slide it underneath. Repeat that process on the other side of the tooth. When you are finished, slide the floss out from in between the teeth and shift to a clean section of the dental floss before moving on. Repeat this process for your entire mouth.

What if I have more questions?

If you have more questions about your teeth, head to the library and check out a book to learn more about the marvels of the mouth. Or you can always ask the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Kearney at your next checkup. We can’t wait to see your beautiful smile!