Pediatric
Dentistry
Looking For a Pediatric Dentist?
Maintaining your child’s dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood.
Your child won’t keep his or her first teeth forever, but primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions. Primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. What’s more, your child’s primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. That’s why you’ll want to ensure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — when it’s time.
Your Child’s First Teeth
Your child’s 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process.
Your infant’s gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste.
Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by his/her first birthday. This may sound early, but learning proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, checking for cavities and watching for developmental problems is extremely important.
There are a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, and it’s important for your child to have a positive experience at the dental office as he/she will be a regular visitor for years to come.
Pediatric Dental Treatments
To prevent tooth decay in children or to repair teeth when necessary, we offer a variety of dental treatments:
- Topical Fluoride — Fluoride incorporates into the enamel of teeth, making it harder and more resistant to decay.
- Dental Sealants — A plastic coating can be applied at the dental office to prevent cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as “pits and fissures.”
- Root Canal Treatment — Baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth, so saving them from premature loss can help prevent future problems requiring orthodontic treatment.
- Bonding — Chips and minor fractures to front teeth — common childhood occurrences — can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials.
- Orthodontic Concerns — Orthodontic treatment around age 7 can help direct proper tooth positioning and jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for later treatment.