At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist?
The general rule is 18 and 24 months. Some children require a bit more time to be comfortable. If an area of concern is noticed, then the child should see a dentist as soon as possible.
When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?
Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately age 6. They will usually lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13, when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt.
When does thumb-sucking become damaging to teeth?
Generally, if the child has stopped sucking his or her thumb by age 5, there is no permanent damage. If the child is a vigorous and constant thumbsucker, however, there can be moderate to severe movement of teeth and the prevention of normal bone growth.
Why is it important to bring baby teeth that have decay back to health? Aren’t they going to come out soon anyway?
It is very important to maintain the baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the future eruption of the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly, resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.
How can you help your child prevent tooth decay?
Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing, and fluoride treatments are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is that when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. If you have any concerns about your child’s dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay, ask Dr. Stephen Huber.
Should my child wear a mouth guard while playing sports?
It is strongly recommended that children wear a mouth guard while playing any contact sport. It is always better to prevent an injury than to repair one. The earlier a child begins to wear the mouth guard, the easier it is to become comfortable and continue to wear it as he/she gets older.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about how to care for your child’s teeth, we invite you to contact our office at 913-543-3751 and talk with our team. Our dentist is highly experienced, and he can help you know how to care for your child’s smile with pediatric dentistry in Leawood, Kansas.