What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
It’s those early years where development happens in the blink of an eye! One day you’re concerned with teething and the next you’re talking about braces. There is so much to know about your child’s early oral development, and a pediatric dentist dedicates their time to making sure everything is happening the way it should!
A pediatric dentist specializes in treating your youngest family members, ranging from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists go through two or three years of focused training after dental school to learn the best ways to deal with an array of oral health issues associated with children.
At Baitner Pediatric Dentistry, we also pride ourselves on being able to guide your children to becoming healthy and happy, lifelong dental patients through understanding and age-appropriate education.
Why Are The Primary Teeth Important?
Because children lose their primary teeth, you may not see the significant role they play in future oral health! Also known as baby teeth, primary teeth allow your child to chew and eat properly, create space for permanent teeth, and encourage the development of strong jawbones and muscle.
When not taken care of properly, baby teeth can develop cavities and negatively impact the overall development of your child’s oral health. This can include speech development, severe decay, and more. So, it’s essential that you teach your child how to care for their teeth at home, as well as bring them in to see us at least twice a year!
Eruption Of Your Child’s Teeth
Did you know that your child’s teeth start forming before birth? And even as early as 4 months old, your baby’s first primary teeth can start coming in. These first eruptions are their lower central incisors. From there, the upper central incisors will erupt.
Over the next three years, your child is likely to develop all 20 primary teeth. However, not all children are the same, and in some cases, it may take longer. Between the ages of 6 and 21 is when your child’s permanent teeth will erupt, for a total of 28 teeth (32 including wisdom teeth).