Important Questions About Children’s Teeth

Posted December 31, 2018

Taking good care of your teeth can seem like second nature after you’ve done it for most of your life, but most of us may not remember how challenging it was when we were still children. At our Dallas, TX, children’s dental office, we take education as serious as our customized preventive treatment options, which is why we love taking the time to answer all of your important questions.

How early should your child see the dentist?

One of the most common questions we receive is, how early should children first visit the dentist’s office? Typically, you should bring children shortly after the first primary (or baby) tooth appears, or by the time they reach one year old. This visit doesn’t include preventive or any other treatments. It’s only to acquaint young children with the dentist, dental team and atmosphere, and to get an idea of how well your child’s oral structures are developing.

What happens if a baby tooth gets a cavity?

Primary teeth are destined to fall out at some point, and therefore, some parents may believe that treating them isn’t as important as though they were permanent teeth. However, they’re purpose is to pave the way for the adult teeth developing underneath them. For example, if a baby tooth develops decay and gets a cavity, then ignoring the condition could cause the decay to affect the permanent tooth. To preserve your child’s smile, we may recommend placing a small pediatric filling in the tooth to stop the decay.

If a baby tooth falls out, should it be replaced?

If a baby tooth falls out before it’s time, then replacing it may not be the optimal option for a child’s smile. However, preserving the space so that it remains viable for the permanent tooth to grow in may still be necessary. Children’s dentistry offers a variety of options for doing so, which we can go over with you and your child after a comprehensive examination.

Learn more by scheduling an appointment

The more you know about your child’s dental care, the better chance your child will have at enjoying a healthy smile for life. For more information, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients living in Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities, including Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.