Pediatric dentistry is a way for you to care for your children’s teeth. As a parent, it can be very exciting for you to see your child’s first baby teeth come through. At this milestone, it is a good idea to think about caring for your baby’s teeth. Surprisingly, as soon as your child’s baby teeth appear, your child is at risk for tooth decay. Knowing about baby teeth will prepare you to care for your own child’s teeth.
Parents may not think about the baby teeth much, because these teeth get replaced by permanent teeth. However, baby teeth are critical when it comes to the child’s development. These teeth help children smile, speak and eat healthy foods. As the baby teeth come in, they will create and maintain space for the permanent teeth. It is no wonder that pediatric dentistry is so vital for children.
Baby teeth are more prone to cavities than adult teeth. The enamel is the layer that protects the inner layer of the teeth. In baby teeth, this outer layer is thinner, so it can more easily wear down. This is why most pediatric dentistry practices recommend that even babies see the dentist. Teething, which is when the teeth begin to grow in, usually starts around six months.
Teething can last until the child is three years old. Parents should not be worried if there seems to be space between the baby teeth. In fact, having some extra space around the baby teeth is a good thing. It can give the larger adult teeth more room to erupt.
During a child’s first year, visiting the dentist is another exciting milestone. Many studies have shown that pediatric dentistry can reduce a child’s risk of cavities. During this first visit, the dentist can show the parent the right way to care for a child’s teeth. Learning in person will help the parent do it correctly.
If a child has any issues, then it is good to have this relationship with the dentist already in place. During a visit to a pediatric dentistry practice, the dentist can check that the teeth are properly erupting. This can involve counting the current teeth. When a child is older, the dentist may also use a dental sealant to protect the teeth from cavities.
A dental sealant can prevent cavities from forming. This is a thin plastic layer. A dentist will paint it on the child’s molars. It can keep bacteria and food particles away from these vulnerable teeth. Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.
No matter how old your child is, it is a good idea to take them for regular checkups. By helping your child brush and floss their teeth, you can help them develop healthy habits. Dental sealants can help protect teeth. Choosing the right pediatric dentistry practice is the first step.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Brushing and flossing teeth are critical oral hygiene basics every child should establish as part of their care routines. Many children already know the proper procedures and benefits of brushing their teeth regularly, but flossing sometimes gets left out. Good oral hygiene helps prevent decay, diseases, and other systems issues within the body. Proper flossing…
Though brushing your child’s teeth is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, flossing is just as vital. Pediatric dentists can work with parents to teach children how to floss properly, protecting their oral health for years to come. This article will cover how flossing can strengthen your child’s teeth, prevent gum disease, and…
A healthy oral structure plays a vital role in a child's development, and conditions like lip ties can pose challenges. Lip tie laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that releases the restricted tissue under the upper lip. This treatment can significantly improve a child's quality of life by addressing feeding difficulties, speech development issues,…
Baby root canals may be necessary for your child. Your child’s baby teeth may have been damaged by an injury or decay. Keeping the affected baby tooth is important for the emergence of permanent teeth. Here is a useful guide to proper pediatric dental care when your child needs baby root canals.Detecting and treating root…
Brushing and flossing teeth are critical oral hygiene basics every child should establish as part of their care routines. Many children already know the proper procedures and benefits of brushing their teeth regularly, but flossing sometimes gets left out. Good oral hygiene helps prevent decay, diseases, and other systems issues within the body. Proper flossing…
Though brushing your child’s teeth is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, flossing is just as vital. Pediatric dentists can work with parents to teach children how to floss properly, protecting their oral health for years to come. This article will cover how flossing can strengthen your child’s teeth, prevent gum disease, and…