Our mouth is full of bacteria. In fact, our teeth are constantly being coated with a white layer of debris and bacteria. This layer is called plaque. In a healthy mouth there is a natural balance of different bacteria. You can never completely get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth, but brushing and flossing help reduce the bacteria by removing plaque. If plaque is not removed over time, it will harden to form calculus (tartar). This calculus must then be removed by a dentist.

Did you know that proper dental care begins in the womb ? A baby's teeth begin to form six weeks after conception. Inadequate eating habits by mothers, however, can cause failure of the tooth enamel to form. This, in turn, can cause your child to be extremely susceptible to cavity formation. Expectant mothers should remember to eat a well-balanced diet and consume products which contain the calcium necessary for proper fetal bone and tooth formation.

Age to bring in a child. Most children are brought in to see a dentist between age 3 and age 4. Younger than that, and they generally will not be able to sit for the visit. If you can bring the child in with you (if you are a parent) you can let them see you having your teeth cleaned and perhaps the dentist can count their teeth and let them have a pleasant first visit (instead of waiting until they have a toothache).

If the milk teeth are well looked after, then it is more likely that the second (permanent) teeth will grow into their correct position.

Did you know that babies in utero have about 20 teeth already developing? Children's teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 but usually at 6-7 months, the first milk teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors. Although 20 milk teeth usually appear by the age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.

The first permanent tooth is usually one of the four six-year-molars-so named because they appear around age 6.Molars are important because they help shape the lower part of the child's face as well as affect the position of the permanent teeth.

A word of caution: The 6-year permanence molars are often mistaken as milk teeth & neglected .

Permanent second molars usually appear around age 12. At that time, your child will have a complete set of teeth except for the wisdom teeth or third molars, which usually appears between age 17 & 25.

Special attention should be paid to your Childs teeth during the teen years, as it is during these years that most decay occurs.