Essence Dental Care

Teeth for Life

5805 Silver Hill Road, Suite G
District Heights, MD 20747
301.568.8444
teeth for life

Practicing good oral hygiene means maintaining your smile by visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth and gums between checkups. Our practice wants to make sure that you get the most out of your office visits, and that your teeth stay healthy for life! We'll work with you to provide complete dental care, and show you how to maintain your smile at home with the right dental products for you and your family.

Dental cleanings and regular checkups

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular checkup, your hygienist will:

  • Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
  • Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
  • Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
  • Provide a thorough teeth cleaning, rinse, and polish

Visiting the dentist every six months gives you the chance to talk with your doctor and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Checkups are also a great way for you to find out about new treatments that may benefit your smile.

Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush

From toothpaste and mouthwash to toothbrushes and dental floss, it's important to choose the right products for your smile. Keep in mind that when you're looking for a new toothpaste or toothbrush be sure to choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dentist can also help by recommending certain dental products for use at home.

Learn more

Did you know that at birth, people already have 20 primary (baby) teeth that begin erupting after six months, and that by age twenty-one there are no more primary teeth, and all 32 permanent teeth have erupted?

Getting to know your teeth can be fun and educational!

Click on the links below to learn more facts about your teeth.

Anatomy of a Tooth
Know Your Teeth

Age: 6-10 months

Primary lower central incisors erupt.

Age: 8-12 months

Primary upper central incisors erupt.

Age: 9-16 months

Primary upper & lower lateral incisors erupt.

Age: 13-19 months

First molars erupt. The upper molars generally erupt before the lower molars. Average age of shed: 9-11 years.

Age: 16-23 months

Canines erupt. The upper canines generally erupt before the lower canines. Average age of shed: 9-12 years.

Age: 23-33 months

Second molars erupt. Generally the lower molars erupt first, followed by the upper molars. Average age of shed: 10-12 years.

Age: 6-7 years

The primary upper and lower central incisors are shed, and the permanent upper and lower first molars and lower central incisors erupt.

Age: 7-8 years

The primary upper and lower lateral incisors are shed, and the permanent upper central incisors and lower lateral incisors erupt.

Age: 8-9 years

The permanent upper lateral incisors erupt and the primary upper first molars are shed.

Age: 9-10 years

The primary upper and lower canines and the lower first molars are shed, and the permanent lower canines erupt.

Age: 10-12 years

The primary upper and lower second molars are shed, and the permanent upper canines erupt, as well as upper and lower first and second premolars.

Age: 11-13 years

The permanent upper and lower second molars erupt.

Age: 17-21 years

The upper and lower third molars (or wisdom teeth) erupt.

Back to Top