Caring for Primary Teeth: A Guide to Pediatric Dental Health
Your child won’t keep his or her first teeth forever, but those tiny pearly whites need conscientious care. Maintaining your child’s dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions. Schaefer Dental Group is dedicated to establishing lifelong oral health for children in Lansing, Michigan.
- Primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the necessary space.
- They help your child to bite, chew, and speak effectively throughout childhood.
Your Child’s First Teeth and Home Care
Your child’s 20 baby teeth usually begin to appear between six and nine months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first. If your baby experiences teething discomfort, there are courses of action to help make your child more comfortable.
- Infant Care: Gently wipe your infant’s gums and newly erupting teeth after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth.
- Starting at Age 2: Establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this until about age 6.
The First Dental Appointment
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by his/her first birthday. Early visits are crucial for learning proper pediatric oral hygiene, checking for cavities, and watching for developmental problems.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC): A form of tooth decay that can develop rapidly in babies and small children, progressing into the inner dentin in six months or less. Early detection is key.
- It is important for your child to have a positive experience at the dental office, as he/she will be a regular visitor for years to come.
Key Pediatric Dental Treatments
We offer a variety of treatments to prevent tooth decay in children and to save or repair teeth when necessary:
- Topical Fluoride: A professional application of higher concentration fluoride to incorporate into the tooth enamel, making it harder and more resistant to decay.
- Dental Sealants: A plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent food particles and bacteria from building up in the grooves (“pits and fissures”) where decay-causing bacteria thrive. They provide years of protection.
- Root Canal Treatment: Sometimes necessary to save a baby tooth from premature loss due to injury or severe decay. Saving the tooth helps prevent a malocclusion (bad bite) that requires later orthodontic treatment.
- Bonding: Tooth-colored resins (plastic and glass) used to repair chips and minor fractures to front teeth.
Orthodontic and Safety Concerns
- Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment: By around age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive treatment can help direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth, simplifying or eliminating the need for later treatment.
- Sports Safety: If your child is active in sports, a custom-made mouthguard is highly recommended. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental harm without one. A custom guard offers superior protection and comfort.