CHILD DENTIST NEAR ME
TEETH ERUPTION
Tooth eruption refers to the process by which teeth emerge from the gums and become visible in the mouth. Here’s a general overview of how tooth eruption occurs:
1. Tooth Development: Tooth development begins before birth. The primary (baby) teeth and the permanent teeth are already forming within the jawbones during this stage.
2. Primary Tooth Eruption: The eruption of primary teeth usually begins around 6 months of age. The lower central incisors are typically the first to emerge, followed by the upper central incisors. Gradually, the remaining primary teeth erupt over time. The order and timing can vary slightly among children.
Measures to stop the progression of caries (tooth decay) in primary teeth
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Help your child establish good oral hygiene habits, including brushing their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Assist them until they have the dexterity to brush effectively on their own.
2. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce the consumption of sugary snacks, beverages, and sticky foods, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water.
3. Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Ensure that your child receives an adequate amount of fluoride through fluoridated toothpaste, drinking water, or fluoride treatments recommended by a dentist.
4. Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. They act as a barrier against bacteria and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities. Consult with a dentist to determine if dental sealants are appropriate for your child.
5. Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings. Regular examinations can help identify any signs of tooth decay at an early stage and allow for timely intervention.
6. Oral Health Education: Teach your child about the importance of oral hygiene and how to maintain a healthy mouth. Encourage them to develop good habits such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing their mouth after meals.
Why Saving primary teeth (baby teeth) is important ??
1. Function: Primary teeth play a crucial role in a child’s ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper nutrition. They help in the development of jaw muscles and facilitate proper digestion.
2. Space Maintenance: Primary teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, leading to misalignment or crowding of permanent teeth. Preserving primary teeth helps ensure that the proper space is maintained for the eruption of permanent teeth.
3. Proper Speech Development: Primary teeth are essential for the development of clear speech patterns. They assist in the correct pronunciation of sounds and aid in language development.
4. Facilitating Permanent Tooth Eruption: Primary teeth guide the eruption of permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is lost too early, it can disrupt the eruption sequence and alignment of permanent teeth, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment later.
5. Self-Esteem and Confidence: Maintaining a healthy smile with intact primary teeth can positively impact a child’s self-esteem and confidence. It contributes to their overall social and emotional well-being.
6. Dental Health Education: Preserving primary teeth allows children to develop good oral hygiene habits from an early age. It provides an opportunity for dental professionals to educate children and parents about proper oral care and the importance of maintaining oral health.
ADVANTAGES OF CHILD DENTISTRY
- More fun environment so that child/kid feels comfortable for treatment
- Preventive dental care and nutrition and diet recommendations
- Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite
- Repair of tooth cavities or defects
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, etc
- Management of gum diseases
- Care for displaced or knocked-out teeth
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When Will My Child Get Their First Teeth?
Baby teeth generally start to come in when a child is between six and nine months of age. You’ll probably know when your child starts teething because your child may become irritable, run a fever, rub their cheek or start drooling a lot. Monitor their symptoms and contact your baby’s dentist and physician with questions.
When Should My Child See the Dentist?
Bring your child to the dentist either when the first teeth erupt from the gums or when your child reaches one year of age, whichever comes first. Look for a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry to ensure the best experience.
When Should I Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth?
Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. Choose a toothpaste recommended by your baby’s dentist. Brush gently. Do this twice daily.
Is It True Nursing Causes Tooth Decay?
Although breast milk is good for your baby, it does contain some sugar that can potentially cause tooth decay. Formula contains sugar as well. To protect your baby’s teeth, brush their teeth twice daily, and bring your child to the dentist as per the advice in the previous sections.
Breast milk and formula are not the only drinks that can give your baby cavities. Juices and sodas contain high amounts of sugar and can also cause tooth decay.
Why Are My Child’s Baby Teeth Spaced Apart?
Baby teeth are naturally spaced apart when they first emerge. These gaps between your baby’s teeth should fill in as the mouth fills up with teeth. If the gaps between your child’s teeth are unusually wide for any reason, your baby’s dentist can monitor the situation and make recommendations to correct problems as they become apparent. This is one of the reasons it’s important to bring your baby to the dentist early and regularly.
What Are the Signs of Dental Problems In Babies?
A drop or two of blood could occur while your child is teething, but contact the dentist if you notice blood in your child’s mouth. If the tooth bleeds more than a tiny amount, make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible. If your child runs a fever, it’s likely normal, but check in with your child’s physician just to be on the safe side.
Does My Baby Need to Take Fluoride Supplements?
Fluoride in the right quantities helps prevent tooth decay.
If your water is less in fluoride, talk to your child’s pediatrician. Your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend fluoride supplements at the appropriate age.
What Are the Signs My Baby Has Crooked Teeth?
Because babies have naturally occurring gaps between their teeth, you may have difficulty telling if their teeth are growing in crooked or straight. Your baby’s dentist will be able to evaluate your child’s teeth to determine whether something must be done to correct your child’s bite.