Why are primary teeth important?

                A child's primary or "baby" teeth are an essential component of growth and develoment.  They typically begin to erupt near the child's 6th month of life.   These teeth are essential for chewing, speaking and for maintaining a healthy environment for the permanent teeth to grow.  Without these teeth being healthy and in the appropriate location, children can become at risk for infection and excessive extensive orthodontic treatment. 

What can I do to prevent cavities?

            Diet:  Young children are at an increased risk of cavities due to duration and frequency of consuming sugary drinks and snacks.  This includes extended breastfeeding, extended bottle feeding, high consumption of juice/sugary drinks in the sippy cup or bottle.  In addition, it is important that your child maintain a healthy, balanced diet to avoid the rapid development of dental cavities of early childhood.

            Hygiene:  It is important to ensure your child's proper dental hygiene.  Most children under or near the age of 6 years old lack the necessary motor skills to properly maintain appropriate oral hygiene.  As a parent, it is necessary to brush your child's teeth daily in addition to flossing appropriately to avoid the development of dental caries.

            Fluoride:  Most children receive enough systemic fluoride through their daily consumption.  Whether through fluoridate water (either city or well water) or daily exposure, most children receive the recommended level of fluoride to keep dental cavities at bay.  If you have any questions as to the amount of fluoride your child is consuming and the need for supplementation, please ask one of our doctors. 

            Toothpaste:  What is the best toothpaste to use for my child?  Brushing your child's teeth is one of, if not THE, most important task for ensuring your child's oral health.  Firstly, be sure to pick a toothpaste that is recommended by the American Dental Association.  Be sure to only use a "pea" sized amount of toothpaste and that your child spits out the excess amount of paste used.  Generally, it is recommended that children under the age of two to three, use a non-fluoridate toothpaste until they are consistently able to brush and spit out the excess paste.  Prior to that age, it is recommended to brush with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

When do baby teeth erupt/exfoliate?

        Baby teeth usually erupt around 6 months of age, they are also known as decidious or primary teeth.  A complete set of baby teeth has typically erupted between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age.  Once fully erupted, a child has 20 primary teeth which will exfoliate or "fall out" and be replaced by permanent or "adult" teeth.  The first stage of exfoliation usually begins near the 6th birthday, depending upon the time in which the baby teeth erupted.   The second stage of eruption/exfoliation occurs near the 7 1/2 to 8 years of age and finishes near 12 years of age.  This is a general timeframe with a large standard of deviation. 

My child grinds his/her teeth:  

        No one knows for sure why some children grind their teeth.  One thought process is that the "baby" teeth do not fit together comfortably, some believe it is a behavioral habit and others believe it is related to allergies or nutritional insufficiencies.  No matter what the cause is, little is done to alleviate grinding in the pediatric patient as most will typically grow out of this habit with eruption of their permanent teeth. 

My child has special needs.

              One important aspect of a pediatric dentist's specialty training is their ability to treat special needs patients.  Whether is it a physical, mental or emotional special need, the pediatric dentist has acquired extensive training in how to properly treat all children.  Please thoroughly discuss your specific concerns with your child's dentist prior to their first appointment to help make their experience as positive as possible.