Drs. Golovan & Golovan
Norman Golovan D.D.S. 
Bruce Golovan D.M.D.
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
28790 Chagrin Blvd. #300
Woodmere Village, OH 44122
(216) 591-0022
Designing Healthy and Beautiful Smiles!

Call for an appointment today!
(216) 591-0022
Changes to Expect in Your Child's Smile
As children's bodies grow, their jaws and faces changes as well.  Over time, their baby (primary) teeth will be replaced by adult (permanent) teeth.  About age five or six, children begin to lose their top and bottom front teeth, called the incisors.  Between ages six and twelve' they will usually lose all 20 primary teeth.  By the age of 21, up to 32 permanent teeth will come in to replace them.  The first permanent teeth usually come between the age of six and seven.  These big, bumpy teeth at the back of the mouth are called molars.  After this, your child have a mix of primary and permanent teeth for a while.  During this time the smile can look a little uneven, with some big and some small teeth, as well as some missing.  Try not to worry, things often even out once all the permanent teeth are in place.
This chart shows the names and positions of all the permanent teeth.  The average ages of when they are developed is also listed.  Do not worry if your child does not follow the chart, everybody develops differently.
Protect Teeth With Sealants
A sealant (you can get more information on the sealant process by clicking that link) is a material that is applied to the teeth where decay occurs most often, the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.  These teeth have pits and grooves that are hard to clean, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them.  the sealant bonds to the tooth and protects teeth from plaque and acid attacks.  Sealing a tooth is fast and painless.  Sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied.  Ask your dentist if sealants will help your child.  
Holding Space Open For Permanent Teeth
Sometimes a baby tooth is lost before the adult tooth beneath it is ready to erupt.  If a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can tip or shift into the vacant space.  When the adult tooth is ready to emerge in the space, there may not be enough room for it.  The new tooth may be able to emerge, or may have emerged in a crooked position.  The vacant space may also cause an adult tooth to appear before it should.  If your child loses a tooth early, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer.  This is a plastic or metal retainer that holds open the space left by the missing tooth.  The dentist will remove this retainer once the adult tooth begins to appear.
Braces and Bad Bites
A bad bite, or malocclusion, is when the teeth are crowded, crooked or out of line, or the jaws don't meet properly.  a bad bite may first be noticed between the ages of six and twelve, when the adult or permanent teeth are starting to come in.  

Here are problems that can occur with a malocclusion:
- It's more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean, and this may increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Crooked, crowded teeth may keep the jaws from developing properly.
- Some severe malocclusions may even keep a person from eating and speaking normally.  
- Teeth that are out of line are more likely to get worn down than healthy, straight teeth.
- A bad bite or crooked teeth may make children feel less confident about their looks.

Early treatment may help prevent a bad bite or make it less severe.  That is why it's a good idea for children to have their bites checked by a dentist before the age of seven.  If braces or another treatment are needed, the dentist may refer your child to an orthodontist.
Prevent Dental Injuries
When it comes to protecting your child's smile during active sports' a properly fitted mouthguard is a key piece of athletic gear.  Mouthguards cushion impact that may otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts into the lip, tongue or face.  Mouthguards are most commonly used in contact sports like football and boxing.  However, an in-contact sport like gymnastics or skateboarding can also cause injuries.  ask your dentist if a mouthguard is the right option for your child, and your dentist will help you go from there.
A Healthy Smile For Life
Now you know why good oral hygiene and having a healthy, balanced diet are important for children.  You can start them off with a dental care routine.  As children get older and start taking care of their own teeth, make sure they brush and floss well each and every day.  Set a good example for your child by brushing your own teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly.