As a parent, you want the best for your child's health, including their oral health. One of the most important aspects of children's dentistry is taking care of their baby teeth. Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's dental development, and it's essential to understand how to maintain them properly.
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth or deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth that grow in a child's mouth. They typically start appearing when a child is around six months old and continue until they are about three years old. Most children will have all 20 baby teeth by the time they are two and a half years old.
Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an important role in your child's oral health. Here are some reasons why:
Caring for your child's baby teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips:
Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children's oral health from infancy through adolescence. They receive additional training beyond dental school to address the unique needs of children, such as managing anxiety and behavior during dental visits. Pediatric dentists can also identify potential issues early on and provide preventive treatments to avoid more extensive procedures later on.
You should take your child to the dentist around age one or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Regular checkups every six months can help prevent cavities and other dental problems from developing.
Pediatric dentists are trained to manage anxiety and behavior during dental visits. They may use techniques such as distraction or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help calm nervous children. It's essential to establish positive associations with dental visits early on so that children feel comfortable seeking care throughout their lives.
Cavities in baby teeth need treatment just like cavities in permanent teeth do. If left untreated, they can lead to pain, infection, and even damage permanent adult teeth growing underneath them. A pediatric dentist can recommend treatment options such as fillings or crowns depending on the severity of the cavity.
Taking care of your child's baby teeth is crucial for promoting good oral health both now and later in life. By following these tips and scheduling regular checkups with a pediatric dentist, you can ensure that your child develops healthy habits that will last a lifetime!
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Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. For children younger than 2, ... In order to be iterable, non-array objects must have a [Symbol.iterator]() method. Skip directly to site contentSkip directly to search Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States1. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t. More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.2 More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.2 Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).3 Visit the Resources page for materials and information about children’s oral health The good news is that cavities are preventable. Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth.4 Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated.5 Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.6 Dental sealants can also prevent cavities for many years. Applying dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth prevent 80% of cavities.7
5 reviews of BabyTeeth Children's Dentistry "My son had a cavity that was so large I thought he broke his tooth in two. When I saw it I freaked out and ... 2.6 miles away from BabyTeeth Children's Dentistry Tara H. said"I'm so happy with my new dentist, Dr. Ho! She's got such a warm and comforting demeanor and gentle touch. Going to the dentist may not always be pleasant, but she and her staff are great at putting you at ease and being quick and…"read more in General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentists, Cosmetic Dentists 2.3 miles away from BabyTeeth Children's Dentistry Stacy W. said"Let me start by saying I'm a germaphobe and an ICU nurse, any doctor's worst nightmare. I'm picky with my doctors. VERY PICKY. I'm also picky with their offices. VERY PICKY. I'm also very anxious and dramatic and am very scared of…"read more in Pediatric Dentists, Orthodontists 1.2 miles away from BabyTeeth Children's Dentistry Chelsee D. said"Received an exam and cleaning and let me tell you, Dr.Ochoco is the best! He is so personable and made the experience awesome. The office is so welcoming and well put together. Definitely going to be a long term patient here and…"read more in Cosmetic Dentists, General Dentistry Your trust is our top concern, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more. Start your review of BabyTeeth Children's Dentistry. This will be a super long review, but I want to be sure parents who may be feeling desperate, like I was during my search will find comfort in knowing there is a safe place to go. Rewinding to last summer, I noticed a small spot on my then 3.5 year olds molar, her dentist we were seeing at the time said it was due to deep pits, and not a cavity, then this summer same thing happened to the opposite side lower molar, so the dentist she was seeing, said it was "sticky" on this side, and would probably need to be filled, but also said she thinks it was from her enamel never developing properly, so I was a wreck thinking somewhere along the line I must have messed up somehow. Anyways, the old dentist office couldn't get a view of her side teeth cause she wouldn't let them get the needed things into her mouth cause she has a small mouth so It caused her to feel uncomfortable. The old office wanted us to come back over a month from then at the next available appt and do an oral sedation drug to get an x-ray on her, and said if they couldn't get it then they would need to do IV sedation simply to get an xray and if needed to do the dental work then. My husband and I were opposed to her being put to sleep for this, and basically were only left with the option of putting her to sleep for it or to watch and wait and chance that it gets worse and needs to be pulled! I was desperate and searched for dentists with a more holistic approach, and came across Baby Teeth Children's dentistry. The first contact on the phone I was already impressed, their phone lines were acting up and one of the office staff was kind enough to call me from her cell so I could speak to them right away and schedule our appt, they were very easy to get an app.t with. They sent us a link to an awesome E-book to read with the girls so they would be familiar with the Dr.,and the office, this was a blessing for sure! Upon arrival, we loved the environment, its super clean, organized, child friendly, and not overly stimulating like some children dental offices are. The Dr. came out to the waiting area to greet us and our girls himself which is pretty unheard of in most practices and any medical office we have ever been to. When we went inside, the Dr. used the info off the forms I filled out to make small chat with the kids, about liking dogs, liking Frozen, etc. This helped and even though my oldest is super shy, he tried to make her feel comfortable. My youngest struck up a convo with him really well and he was very courteous and attentive to both of them. We did the x-rays on the older one and the Dr. sits down and explains everything to you that he sees, and gives advice, on preventative things etc so you can avoid any dental problems. As far as the youngest one, they attempted the X-rays and found her little narrow mouth just simply cant accommodate having the x-rays, so instead we were able to use a special "flashlight" as he told the girls which is a laser that can detect cavities and tell him the depth of it, so you can determine to watch and wait or treat. Hers were at a level that do need treatment, and they have us coming in next week which I was so impressed that they could get us back in so soon!! The entire time we were there, we were the only patients there, and never felt rushed or like we had to compete for anyone's attention .I am pretty paranoid about chemicals, etc in things involving my kids and when I went to ask the Dr about what's in the fillings, he knew before I even finished asking the questions, where I was going with it and explained it all in simple language, and comforted my fears. I could not be happier with our experience and would recommend this office to anyone who may feel scared as they seek out a good trusted option for their child's dental care. Its scary raising little ones especially when you feel like theres conflicted info coming every which way, so I am thankful for a safe place where we can ask all the questions we have. Thank you for an amazing experience, my girls have been playing dentist since we got home today, and cant stop talking about all of you there! :)
When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth ... A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet The latest information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, including vaccine clinics for children ages 6 months and older. A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest. At this time, the dentist can give you information on: If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh. Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving him or her a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding. Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves. At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations. Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist? Pediatric dentists are the ... Are baby teeth really that important to my child? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What should I use to clean my baby's teeth? When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up? What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist? How do I find a pediatric dentist in my hometown? Are baby teeth really that important to my child? What should I do if my child has a toothache? Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth? How can I prevent decay caused by nursing? How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist? Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use? How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth? How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride? What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events? What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth? How can parents help prevent tooth decay? What is the best toothbrush for kids 9-13? Do you recommend the Sonic? Do you have cosmetic dentistry practicioner on staff? If not can you refer one that accepts insurance? American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1600