The pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of specialized training after dental school and is dedicated to children’s oral health from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, pre-teens and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently lead to problems affecting permanent teeth development. Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.

Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption vary.

Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6 and at age 8, you can generally expect the upper and bottom 4 primary teeth to be gone and permanent teeth to have taken their place.

Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. Radiographs detect much more than cavities. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year.

Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard (night guard) may be indicated. The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding decreases between the ages of 6-9, and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. Children should cease thumb-sucking by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb-sucking as they can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, pacifier use can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit.

• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure.
• Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide comfort.
• Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods.
• Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.
• Remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night.

The pulp of a tooth is the inner, central core of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is not lost). A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown).