Pediatric Dentistry

A dentist who gets an extra two to three years of specialized training to learn about the oral health of children is called the pediatric dentist or a pedodontist. They are made to learn about the oral health of infants to their teenage years.

At a particular age, everyone deals with behavioral changes, and it gets essential for children, pre-teens, and teenagers to know about their dental growth and development. This can help them avoid any future dental problems. A pediatric dentist is well-qualified to meet up with the needs of children of all ages.

Why care for primary teeth?

It is essential to consider the health of primary teeth. Cavities that are neglected are frequently the primary cause that can affect the growth of permanent teeth. 

Primary teeth or baby teeth are just as important:

• To chew and eat properly
• To provide space for the permanent teeth and to guide them to the right position
• To permit the healthy development of jawbones and muscles
• It can affect the way they speak and make them look attractive. The four teeth in the front last only up to 6-7 years of age, but on the other hand, the back cuspids and molars cannot be replaced with permanent teeth until the age of 10-13.

When do the teeth begin forming in children?

Soon before the birth, the teeth begin forming in children. When they are around four months, the first baby teeth start erupting, known as the lower central incisors, closely followed by the upper central incisors. Even though all 20 primary teeth usually appear by the age of 3, the pace and order of their eruptions vary.

Permanent teeth start appearing at around the age of 6, beginning with the first molars and lower central incisors. When they are 8, the bottom four primary teeth and the top 4 primary teeth will be replaced by the lateral incisors, i.e., the permanent teeth. Then there will be almost a year or two's break from ages 8-10, and then the rest of the permanent teeth will start appearing. This process will go on until the age of 21.

Adults probably have 28 permanent teeth or maybe up to 32, including the third molars or wisdom teeth.

What are the primary dental care steps for children?

The primary dental care steps are:

• Get checked by the dentist regularly.
• Brushing and flossing should be done daily to avoid bacterial plaque.
• Try to maintain a proper diet for children, reducing beverages, and foods with high sugar and starch content.
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by the ADA. 
• Don't share utensils, cups, or food that can pass on the bacteria that can cause the cavity to your children.

Find out more about pediatric dentistry as you visit our office. Call Sun-Park Dental today at (916) 435-1155 or request an appointment online.