Pediatric dentists care for children of all ages. From the first tooth to adolescence, they help your child develop a healthy smile until they are ready to move on to a general dentist. Pediatric dentists have had years of special training to care for young children and adolescents. Research has shown that mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing cavity-causing bacteria to their children, and periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
To decrease the risk of spreading the bacteria, mothers should visit their dentist regularly, brush and floss daily, and maintain a healthy diet full of natural fiber, and reduce sugary foods. Additionally, increasing water intake and using fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent cavities and improves oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry AAPD recommends taking your child to their first dental appointment and establishing a dental home by the age of one or shortly after the first tooth erupts.
Usually, the two bottom front teeth β the central incisors β erupt first, followed by four upper front teeth β called the central and lateral incisors. Your child should have their first full set of teeth by their third birthday. Permanent teeth start to appear around age 6, beginning with the first molars and lower central incisors. At the age of 8, is generally when the bottom 4 primary teeth the lower central and lateral incisors and the top 4 primary teeth the upper central and lateral incisors begin to fall out and permanent teeth take their place.
The rest of the permanent teeth will start to come in around age Permanent teeth can continue to erupt until approximately age Adults have 32 permanent teeth including the third molars called wisdom teeth. Baby teeth are temporary; however, if a baby tooth is lost too soon it can lead to other teeth crowding the vacant spot. This can cause alignment issues when the permanent tooth begins to emerge and could cause crooked teeth and biting problems.
Baby teeth are important to help with chewing and eating leading to proper nutrition. Baby bottle tooth decay primarily affects the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. Early symptoms of baby bottle tooth decay are white spots on the surface of teeth or the gum line and tooth sensitivity. More severe symptoms can appear in advanced stages of baby bottle tooth decay and include: brown or black spots on teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, fever, and bad breath.
