Healthy baby teeth, otherwise known as primary teeth, are critical for the future development of healthy smiles in adults. Pediatric dentistry focuses on the prevention and treatment of various dental issues in children. Regular dental care will help children get into a routine of good oral health habits that will be beneficial for their entire lives.
The following are four important facts about baby teeth that parents should be aware of.
The first primary tooth will typically emerge around the time a baby is six months old, although it can occur any time between four months to one year of age. Parents should schedule their child's initial pediatric dentistry appointment within six months of the appearance of the first baby tooth, or by the time the child turns one year old. This appointment will typically involve a cleaning as well as a thorough examination, checking for cavities and other dental problems. Parents can also receive information and advice on habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use, as well as instructions on how to practice proper dental hygiene at home.
Pediatric dentistry appointments will usually be scheduled every six months after the initial visit.
While baby teeth are temporary, they are still a crucial part of a child's future oral health. Practicing proper dental hygiene, which includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once per day, sets children up with good dental habits that will continue on to adulthood. Biannual appointments help to detect issues such as cavities that can be treated as soon as possible. Cavities, when left untreated, can lead to infections such as dental abscesses. Abscesses can infect the permanent teeth below the gums and cause damage.
Primary teeth are also important as they help children learn to chew and speak properly. They guide the jaws to grow normally and prepare them for permanent teeth to emerge later in life.
Primary teeth will often begin to naturally fall out around the age of 6, with the last tooth falling out around age 12. When a baby tooth is lost too early, it can cause dental problems. Baby teeth act as a spacer for permanent teeth; losing a primary tooth early may result in a loss of space and crowding of permanent teeth in the future.
A healthy diet goes a long way in protecting teeth. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help prevent cavities. A nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will keep teeth healthy and strong.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentistry in Allendale, NJ
It is imperative that baby teeth are properly cared for. Regular pediatric dentistry visits, as well as good oral hygiene and a nourishing diet, can help children have healthy smiles as adults.
Request an appointment or call Bergen County Pediatric Dentistry at 201-312-6937 for an appointment in our Allendale office.
When your child has a dental emergency, a visit to a pediatric dentistry office is likely necessary. Most pediatric offices are well equipped to handle serious dental injuries. In fact, taking your child to see their regular dentist can be very beneficial. Your child can feel more at ease than they would in a new…
Though rewarding, parenting is often difficult. One of the most difficult aspects of parenting that you will encounter early in your child’s life is teething. Fortunately, a pediatric dentistry professional can help you understand what to expect and, more importantly, give you advice on how to ease your child’s pain during this challenging time in…
Pediatric dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health concerns in children who still have their baby teeth. This review closely examines what parents and the pediatric dentistry team can do to protect baby teeth from cavities, dental trauma, and other forms of damage.Caring for baby teeth should involve brushing and flossing regularly, limiting…