Pediatric Dentist FAQs: Permanent and Baby Teeth

pediatric dentist Phoenix, AZ

You may have questions about your child’s teeth that a pediatric dentist can answer. For example, you might be wondering why you should take your child to a pediatric dentist. You may also wonder why baby teeth are so important. Read on to learn the answers to your dental questions.

What is a pediatric dentist?

Both a general and pediatric dentist go to dental school for several years. However, after dental school, a pediatric dentist will receive two to three years of additional training. This training helps the pediatric dentist learn how to identify issues that relate to children. Babies, preschoolers, preteens and teens all need a different approach when it comes to oral health. A pediatric dentist also has more experience than a general dentist in caring for children’s teeth.

Why are baby teeth important if they only fall out?

The enamel on baby teeth is not as strong as on adult teeth. This means that children are more prone to getting cavities. If these cavities are not treated, children can have painful infections that interfere with daily life. One study found that about 43% of children ages two to 19 had cavities. These cavities often resulted from poor oral hygiene and too many sugary foods. The baby teeth have several other functions as well, including:

  • Promoting the development of muscles and jaws
  • Guiding permanent teeth into position
  • Helping children talk
  • Allowing for eating and chewing

Is teeth grinding normal?

About half of children experience teeth grinding during the night. The majority of these children outgrow the habit. This will usually happen when more adult teeth grow in the mouth. Because baby teeth will fall out, bruxism in young children is usually not harmful. A pediatric dentist can keep an eye on the teeth of a child who bruxes. The pediatric dentist may recommend a mouthguard.

Why do the adult teeth look odd?

A child’s primary teeth are whiter than an adult’s teeth. Baby teeth are also known as “milk teeth” because of the white color. As adult teeth replace the baby teeth, the adult teeth can look yellow by comparison. However, this is only an illusion. When all the adult teeth have come in, the teeth will most likely have a more natural appearance.

As the adult teeth come in, a parent may notice ridges on the biting portion of the front teeth. These are known as developmental ridges, or mamelons. The ridges help the teeth break through the gum. As the child uses these teeth normally, the ridges will gradually wear down. This process takes more time for some children than others.

Visit a pediatric dentist today

It is important to know more about your child’s baby and adult teeth. This can help you better recognize if your child is experiencing any issues. For example, bruxing is normal now but can be a problem later. On the other hand, cavities in the baby teeth should be treated quickly. Visiting a pediatric dentist can help any other issues be addressed.

Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Why Going To A Pediatric Dentistry Is Important For Proper Oral Hygiene

Parents often ask whether they need to get their children to the pediatric dentistry office. It is not that parents do not care about their kids' dental health; it is just that they assume brushing at home is enough. This would be the case in an ideal world, but the truth is that cavities affect…

What Treatments Does A Pediatric Dentistry Office Offer?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on providing treatments and services that help to keep your child's mouth healthy. Pediatric dentists offer common dental treatments, such as sealants, fluoride treatments, and space maintainers.Let us take a look at some of the more commonly used treatments in pediatric dentistry:Sealants are a type of preventative treatment that pediatric dentists often…

How Does A Pediatric Dentistry Treat Plaque Buildup?

Pediatric dentistry can identify and treat plaque, which is a sticky substance. Plaque appears after every snack or meal. Brushing immediately can remove this thin layer of sticky substance. Doing so can prevent tartar formation. If you want to know more about how pediatric dentistry treats plaque, here are the details.The mouth invites all sorts…

Does A Pediatric Dentistry Office Use Specialized Equipment For Children?

Pediatric dentistry uses specialized equipment to ensure that children are comfortable during their dental visits. Specialized equipment includes smaller dental chairs, x-ray machines, and age-appropriate educational materials.The dental chair is one of the most significant pieces of equipment in a pediatric dentist's office. These chairs are designed specifically for children and help make the child…

Recent Posts

Why Going To A Pediatric Dentistry Is Important For Proper Oral Hygiene

Why Going To A Pediatric Dentistry Is Important For Proper Oral Hygiene

Parents often ask whether they need to get their children to the pediatric dentistry office. It is not that parents do not care about their kids' dental health; it is just that they assume brushing at home is enough. This would be the case in an ideal world, but the truth is that cavities affect…

What Treatments Does A Pediatric Dentistry Office Offer?

What Treatments Does A Pediatric Dentistry Office Offer?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on providing treatments and services that help to keep your child's mouth healthy. Pediatric dentists offer common dental treatments, such as sealants, fluoride treatments, and space maintainers.Let us take a look at some of the more commonly used treatments in pediatric dentistry:Sealants are a type of preventative treatment that pediatric dentists often…