Mouth and teeth

Children's teeth begin developing in the womb. Therefore, nutrition during pregnancy is important in the development of your child's teeth. The mother's diet should have adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin D. Certain medications, such as tetracycline, should not be taken by the mother while she is pregnant as this can cause harm to the developing teeth of the embryo.

Four main stages of development of the tooth

• The first stage begins in the fetus at about 6 weeks of age; this is when the basic substance of the tooth forms.
• Next, the hard tissue that surrounds the teeth is formed, around 3 to 4 months of gestation.
• After the child is born, the next stage occurs when the tooth actually protrudes through the gum.
• Finally, there is the loss of the primary "baby" teeth.