Your child’s first tooth will typically come in between 6 and 12 months. Children begin to lose primary teeth at about 6 years old. Adult teeth are typically fully grown in by age 12. At every stage of your child’s development, it’s important to take them in for a check-up so we can monitor your child for dental problems. Dental office visits should include: Infant dental care up to 12 months:

Your child should be taken in for their first check-up by nine months old.

Injured teeth due to falls are a common child dental problem at this age.

Children’s dental care up to age 12:

Your child should receive a dental checkup every six months.

Your child should have a fluoride treatment when they come in for a check-up .

Dental Implants will be used to prevent cavities to your child’s molars. Studies have shown sealants Prevents Cavities by 50%.

Adolescent dental care up to age 19:

Your child may begin thinking about orthodontics to improve their smile.

Your child may require spacers to improve tooth alignment.

Why would baby teeth need to be restored by a Crown ?

Primary teeth that show evidence of extensive decay, with two or more surfaces affected, can sometimes be saved through the use of a crown, especially in the front region. These crowns can be used to protect front teeth when they become cracked or chipped, have undergone root canal therapy, show signs of decay, or are markedly discolored. Sometimes root canal may be needed if caries reaches up to the pulp. At that point the tooth becomes weaker and is more likely to crack. In these instances, it is important to protect the tooth by using a crown.

Which type of crown (tooth colored or silver) is best for restoring baby teeth

In general, for front teeth, we recommend using tooth colored crowns. These crowns are both esthetic and strong. Tooth colored options are also available for some back teeth but for molars that are constantly exposed to chewing and grinding, silver stainless steal crowns may be a better option.

Extraction

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth failed to shed off because of its long root and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth at risk of decay, so the doctor may recommend its removal. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

Fillings

Traditional Tooth fillings, may include porcelain ,gold or composite. Newer tooth fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed directly into a prepared cavity in a single visit. Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. These fillings include inlays, and veneers fabricated with ceramics or composites.

Fluoride

Fluoride is used in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in a dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, your child may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your child’s oral health or the doctor’s recommendation, a fluoride treatment may be required every three, six, or 12 months.

Mouthguards

Whether your child wears braces or not, protecting his or her smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect the teeth and gums from injury. If your child participates in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that he or she wear a mouthguard. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well-fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent your child from breathing properly. Your dentist can show your child how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect his or her smile.

Nightguards

If your child clenching or grinding his or her teeth and feels pain in the ear and headache, your child may have a common condition called “bruxism”. Many people do not even know that they grind their teeth, as it often occurs when one is sleeping. If not corrected, bruxism can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, or even tooth loss.

There is an easy, non-invasive treatment for bruxism: nightguards. Nightguards are an easy way to prevent the wear and damage that teeth-grinding causes over time. Custom-made by a dentist from soft material to fit the teeth, a nightguard is inserted over your child’s top or bottom arch and prevents contact with the opposing teeth.