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.
A kid-friendly dentist offers a friendly environment and services primarily for children to help them feel more comfortable with every visit. These kid-focused strategies help children create healthy dental habits at a young age and reduce the risk of developing dental anxiety or phobia as they grow up.Visiting a kid-friendly dentist provides children with comfortable…
Kid-friendly dentists offer a variety of treatment options, including routine cleanings, sealants, dental fillings, dental crowns, and tooth extraction. Of course, most kid-friendly dentists have a more extensive list of services and personalize the treatment plan based on each child’s needs. This article aims to give parents an idea of what services they can expect…
Parents often wonder how frequently they should schedule visits to a kid-friendly dentist for their child. Ideally, children should have a check-up and cleaning every four to six months or at least twice a year. However, additional visits may be necessary if the child requires specific treatments or experiences new oral health concerns since their…
Baby root canals, also known as pediatric root canals, are critical for maintaining the health of primary (baby) teeth and emerging permanent teeth. These procedures may sound intimidating, but they address infections or decay in baby teeth, ensuring that children's oral health remains intact as they grow. A healthy primary tooth is important for your…
A kid-friendly dentist offers a friendly environment and services primarily for children to help them…
Kid-friendly dentists offer a variety of treatment options, including routine cleanings, sealants, dental fillings, dental…
Parents often wonder how frequently they should schedule visits to a kid-friendly dentist for their…
Baby root canals, also known as pediatric root canals, are critical for maintaining the health…
A child's first appointment with a kid-friendly dentist may involve a friendly chat allowing the…
Are you looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth? Contact our office to…