Just because your child’s primary teeth, often known as “baby teeth,” eventually fall out, doesn’t mean they’re not important. Primary teeth play an important role in your child’s overall health, development, and well-being.
At Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Brian Rooney, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Reem Hemantharaju help Flemington, NJ families protect baby teeth with dental care for your baby and preventive care.
Much like your own permanent teeth, your child’s primary teeth require professional and at-home dental care. Decay can happen at any age, so it’s time to visit the dentist within six months of your child’s first tooth appearing, and certainly by age one. In addition to checking for tooth decay and other pediatric dental problems, your dentist will show you the best ways to start your child on a lifetime of good oral health habits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first exam when the first tooth comes in and no later than 12 months of age.
Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they’re three years old. Primary teeth are important for many reasons. They:
Primary teeth can get cavities just like adult teeth. In addition to the pain caused by a cavity, young children can develop dental infections. Primary tooth decay is a serious, infectious, and transmissible disease that can spread quickly and lead to infection or abscess without proper precautions. This can be especially harmful to children because their immune systems aren’t fully developed.
If a tooth becomes infected and needs to be extracted, your dentist will recommend inserting a space maintainer. If the space is not preserved, other teeth may drift, causing difficult-to-treat crowding and orthodontic problems when permanent teeth come in. Learn about dental fillings and our emergency dental care.
The most important aspect of taking care of your child’s primary teeth is the example you help to set. Early on, your child should develop the habit of brushing and flossing that will carry into adulthood. Healthy teeth also lead to easier dental visits, teaching your child that there is nothing to be afraid of at the dentist.
See our brushing and flossing instructions, and schedule regular dental exams and cleanings at our Flemington office.
It’s time to visit the dentist within six months of your child’s first tooth appearing, and certainly by age one. Decay can happen at any age, and your dentist will show you the best ways to start your child on a lifetime of good oral health habits.
Primary teeth promote good nutrition through proper chewing, assist in speech development, build self-esteem, and provide a path for permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to erupt. They also help your child pay attention and learn in school without the distraction of dental pain.
Yes. Primary teeth can get cavities just like adult teeth. In addition to pain, young children can develop dental infections, and primary tooth decay can spread quickly and lead to infection or abscess without proper precautions. Our Flemington team can check your child’s teeth at a visit.
If a tooth becomes infected and needs to be extracted, your dentist will recommend inserting a space maintainer. If the space is not preserved, other teeth may drift, causing difficult-to-treat crowding and orthodontic problems when permanent teeth come in.
Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they’re three years old. Request an appointment at Hunterdon Pediatric Dentistry to have your child’s teeth checked.
Dr. Brian Rooney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and our 4.8-star Google rating reflects the care our Flemington families receive.
Start your son or daughter on the path to a lifetime of excellent oral health. Contact our Flemington pediatric dental office through our appointment request form and schedule an appointment for your youngster today.
