There are five types of teeth namely: the incisors, the canines, the premolars, the molar and the third molar. Teeth are considered as the hardest substances in the human body. Its main function is to mechanically break down items of food by cutting and crushing them in preparation swallowing and digestion.
 
In these five types of teeth, incisors, canines and molar are the only ones that erupt during the toddler stage which is between twelve to thirty six months old. The first set of incisors usually erupts at around six months of age. The first set of canine (which is the sharpest teeth) usually erupt from sixteen to twenty months old and the first set of molar erupts between twelve to fifteen months old.
 
There are a lot of dental problems that your child can encounter. Toddler’s tooth enamel is not as strong as your’s. Sugar attacks the enamel on teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. Since the enamel on the baby’s tiny teeth is fifty percent thinner than the enamel on adult’s teeth, once decay begins, it brings more damage, more quickly. If left unchecked, it can then turn into a cavity.
 
To keep your toddler’s smile healthy:

• Start using proper brushing techniques as early as possible, make them eat good foods.
• Encourage them to eat fruits, vegetables and nutritious foods. Regulate their intake of sweets, snacks and junk foods as it is a big factor that contributes to some dental problems of the child.
• Regular dentist visits are so important. Most dentists recommend that children start their dental visits by the age of two.
• In addition to giving your dentist a chance to monitor your child's dental growth and development, this is your chance to learn about tooth development, the need
  for fluoride, how to help your child maintain proper oral hygiene, how to deal with your child's oral habits, diet and nutrition, and how to prevent oral injuries.
• Fluoride toothpastes are also important because they can help the tooth prevent cavities from forming by replacing lost minerals in the enamel. Seek the dentist of your baby the best toothpaste that is proper to use for your baby’s teeth.
• Use a pea-sized amount of an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Take care that your child doesn't swallow the paste.
• It is so important to choose the right toothbrush. Use one with soft bristles, brush inside surfaces of all teeth first, where plaque accumulates most. Angle bristles toward the gumline.
• Brush gently back and forth. Clean all outside surfaces of teeth. Place brush so bristles are on the chewing surface of the teeth.
• Remember, your child’s teeth need cleaning twice a day – in the morning and before bed.

According to Mother Teresa, “Peace begins with a smile”. Don’t let your child be discourage to smile just because cavities find its way on every tooth surface possible.