We at Kalamazoo Pediatric Dentistry try to provide everything we can as your pediatric dentists to ensure that you have all the information you need to make you and your children comfortable every time you visit. Take a look through some of our frequently asked questions to get a better idea of why pediatric dentistry is important, with information provided by licensed professionals.
A baby’s front four teeth usually erupt first between 6 and 12 months, and usually all 20 primary teeth have arrived by the age of 3. To comfort a teething child, gently massage the gums with a clean finger, chilled spoon, or a moist gauze pad. A watery sac may appear over the gums when a tooth is erupting. This is called an eruption cyst, and it is usually harmless.
Strong, healthy primary teeth aid children in chewing their food, speaking, and appearance. In addition, the primary teeth hold the space in the jaws for the permanent teeth. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth aren’t replaced until your child is 10-13 years old. Both primary and permanent teeth help give the face its attractive appearance.
For more information about your child’s first dental visit and their primary teeth visit: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
At your child’s first visit, the doctor will carefully examine the growth and development of your child’s soft tissues and teeth. He will also show you and/or your child how to properly clean the teeth and answer any questions you may have. He will review your child’s diet, give nutritional advice, and make recommendations for bottle and sippy cups use.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s first visit to the dentist occur within six months of the arrival of your child’s first tooth and no later than your child’s first birthday. It is important to have your child come this early because dental problems often start early, so the sooner the visit the better. Consider your child’s first visit as a “well baby checkup” for his or her teeth. Also, please be positive when discussing the dentist. Remind them that going to the dentist is a sign that they are growing up.
A pediatric dentist receives an extra two years of specialized training in the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Children of all ages require different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. A pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs. Our office is specially designed with a fun environment to treat children from infancy through the teen years, as well as medically, mentally, and physically compromised children.