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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
An early dental checkup for kids can help give your child a good start in life. The pediatric dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam. This can determine if your child needs early corrective dental treatments. Here are the benefits of an early dental checkup for kids.Children always want to feel comfortable. The early dental…
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist who specializes in young patients are an important part of establishing good oral health practices. Many instances of severe dental conditions in children stem from either a lack of regard for proper hygiene or a lack of knowledge on the proper ways to care for a child's teeth. Check…
A baby root canal may sound scary, however, it is nothing to be afraid of. Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of gentler techniques and safer approaches, thus reducing the risk of complications and pain during the procedure.Baby root canals, in particular, are done differently as they are performed in a pediatric dentistry setting,…
Although receiving orthodontic treatment is not exactly exciting, you can make braces for kids fun. Braces are significantly less noticeable than they were in the past, and some are nearly undetectable. The latest braces are also more comfortable and dependable, allowing kids to focus on the things that matter. Today’s braces provide a wider range…
An early dental checkup for kids can help give your child a good start in…
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist who specializes in young patients are an important part…
A baby root canal may sound scary, however, it is nothing to be afraid of.
Today’s braces provide a wider range of options, allowing orthodontic treatment to be personalized to…
Composite fillings are a popular choice for filling cavities in both children and adults due…
Clear aligners are one of the most popular methods in orthodontics to address issues with…