Childrens teeth begin forming a lot earlier than most people know six months before birth. During infancy, as early as four months, the first primary teeth (baby teeth) erupt through the gums, typically the lower central incisors (front teeth), followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all twenty primary teeth usually appear by age three, the pace and order of their eruption varies.

The initial phase of permanent tooth eruption begins at around age six starting with the lower central incisors and the lower permanent first molars. This initial phase continues until almost age nine when eight incisors (four maxillary and four mandibular) have erupted. There is a pause during this middle mixed dentition phase (twelve baby teeth remaining) until age eleven. At that time it will seem like teeth are falling out every month. Children have 20 baby teeth while adults have 28 permanent teeth, not counting the third molars (or wisdom teeth).

More than 90% of children younger than age two will practice thumb-sucking in order to feel secure, happy, and at bedtime in order to provide themselves a sense of security. Since thumb sucking is somewhat reflexive, it may occur during sleep. In the early stages of your childs life, thumb sucking is completely natural and shouldnt cause any alarm.

Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth (age six) can alter craniofacial growth and lead to orthodontic problems. The intensity, frequency and duration, along with your childs age, will influence the level of our concern. We generally recommend that parents ignore a thumb or pacifier habit for children younger than age three. We are a bit more concerned for those children over age four. We ask parents of these children to monitor their child with regard to the frequency, intensity and duration of the sucking habit. If all three variables are decreasing over time then intervention is not required.

Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, please talk to one of our doctors.

At Salt Lake Pediatric Dentistry, we will discover your childs specific needs and help you address them in the best possible way. From finances to treatment decisions, we will work closely with you to discover the options that work best for both you and your child. Our patients are our top priorityas well as their parents! You can count on our team to provide your child with honest, reliable care that will help them maintain a healthy smile and work towards their dental goals! If you are looking for affordable pediatric dentistry in Cottonwood Heights and Holladay, UT, our team will go the extra mile to help your child receive the dental care that they deserve!

Dr. David Gustafson (Dr. Dave) was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He completed his undergraduate studies in Nutritional Science at Brigham Young University in 2003 and finished dental school at Ohio State University in 2007. Dr. Dave received his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Ohio State University and Nationwide Childrens Hospital in June 2009. His education included advanced studies and specialized training in dentistry for children, adolescents, special needs, and medically compromised patients. As part of his pediatric training he also received his Master of Science Degree from Ohio State University with an emphasis in dental trauma.

He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He was awarded diplomate status by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as a board-certified pediatric dentist. In addition to private practice, he is also an attending dentist at Primary Childrens Medical Center.

Dr. Dave grew up in Salt Lake City and moved back here in 2009 after completing his training. When hes not in the office, he enjoys running, making people laugh, and spending time with his wife Laurie and their five children.

Dr. Jeffery K. Rupp received his dental degree from the Oregon Health and Science University in 2003 where he graduated with honors and clinical honors. While in dental school he received the Certificate of Merit Award from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as the Predoctoral Student Award in pediatric dentistry from the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He completed his pediatric specialty training at the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, the Childrens Medical Center of Dallas, and the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Following his formal training, he was awarded diplomate status by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

While at the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Rupp also earned a Master of Science Degree in health professions education. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Rupp is also part of the dental faculty team at Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City.

As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Rupps life is all things kids. He and his wife, Julie, have nine (this is not a typo) children and enjoy spending time outdoors where he will usually be found with a baby on his back hiking the trails of Utah. Dr. Rupp finds great satisfaction in working with children and helping them have a positive dental experience.

As the father of a large family, Dr. Rupp relates well to parents and their desire for their child to receive exceptional dental care. By combining a compassionate, fun and professional approach, Dr. Rupp strives to establish a sense of trust with each patient. For my child patients who need the services of an outstanding pediatric dentist, I refer them to Dr. Rupp. His specialty skills are superb and his genial, gracious nature is exceptional. (Dr. George Pearson, General Dentist, Salt Lake City, UT)

Dr. Whitney Aste has recently joined our office and has a goal of providing and promoting excellent dental health for children. She believes that providing a fun and positive experience at the dentist is just as important as using the most up-to-date techniques and dental materials.

Dr. Aste received her degree in dental surgery from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She then completed her pediatric dental residency at the Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin. Her education included advanced studies and specialized training in dentistry for children, adolescents, and special needs patients. She worked very closely with the cleft lip and palate team during her residency in Wisconsin.

Dr. Aste is a board-certified pediatric dentist and is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Astes humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic continues to demonstrate her caring nature that she also shares with her patients. She strives to make sure children feel safe and have a wonderful experience. She is passionate about educating and empowering parents to create a dual approach to home dental care.

Dr. Aste has an insatiable love for the outdoors and can be found mountain or road biking, hiking at the lake, or simply enjoying the sunshine in her spare time. She is an avid fitness and nutrition buff, lover of all animals, and enjoys traveling and humanitarian work.