August 18, 2021

TEETH FACTS EXPLAINED BY PEDIATRIC DENTISTS

Pediatric dentistry is the field in which a pediatric dentist teaches parents about their kids oral health so that a better understanding of how to maintain oral health can develop.

Parents have become more conscious regarding the oral health of their kids nowadays. They visit pediatric dentists more often to get them aware of what is better for their kids’ oral health maintenance.

Some facts about baby teeth explained by Pediatric Dentist:

It is thought and seen that when babies are born, they do not have any teeth in their oral cavity but; in fact, they are born with a set 20 baby (primary) teeth, 10 in each arch that just haven’t appeared (erupted) yet.

The first teeth start to erupt through the gums tissue at around 4 to 7 months of age. Usually, the first teeth to erupt in the oral cavity are the lower front teeth (incisors), which are visible when the child smiles.

Between 6 and 12 years of age, children have a combination of both baby and permanent teeth, as their baby teeth are gradually shed off and replaced by 32 permanent teeth.

The baby teeth on the front side (incisors) are usually shed between 6 to 8 years of age, and the back teeth (canines and molars) are not shed until the ages 9 to 13 years.

Enamel, which is considered to be the strongest layer on teeth that protects your teeth, is thinner in baby teeth as compared to permanent teeth. This makes the enamel layer more prone to develop cavities.

Spacing between the baby teeth is usually normal in order to allow space for permanent teeth to erupt.

Erupted teeth vary in size, shape and their location in the jaws. These differences enable the teeth to work in harmony to help the babies chew, speak and smile. They are also responsible for giving the face its appropriate shape and form.

KIDS’ DENTISTS opinion on starting early with good habits:

Although a child’s baby teeth will all shed off or fall out eventually, it’s not a free pass when it comes to their health and care. Neglecting these measures can result in early tooth decay and hence tooth loss. This is becoming a more prevalent problem nowadays, especially in low income families.

The early start of adoption of tooth oral care habits will pay off throughout your child’s life. This begins as early as infancy lifespan of infancy, where you can establish a proper dental hygiene routine.

Baby teeth are absolutely important, if you have questions about the importance of baby teeth and oral care give us a call and schedule an appointment for your little one. We are happy to help!