What Parents Need to Know About Baby Teeth [Pediatric Dentistry]

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.

Oral health begins with baby 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.

A child’s first dental visit

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.

Dental sealants

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%.

Visit a pediatric dentistry practice today

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.

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