This month’s topic is Children’s dentistry!

Company:
Dentistry by Dr. Arida

Location:
131 S. Euclid Ave, Westfield NJ

Phone: 908-654-6262

So, an old attitude toward “baby teeth” also known as deciduous teeth (meaning teeth that are shed) is that they are “expendable” and not worth doing any dentistry on. That is VERY FALSE! The deciduous teeth in your child’s mouth are very important in proper oral development, speech, chewing and maintaining space for the permanent teeth to come in and replace the baby teeth.

On average baby teeth begin erupting into your baby’s mouth around 6 months and teeth continue to come into the mouth until around 24 months. These are average time frames and every child is different.  There is no concern if teeth are late in erupting. Your dentist may take an x-ray if there is a concern as to whether the teeth are missing if they have not come in yet.

The baby teeth are great training wheels to teach your child to brush and floss their teeth. It is great to see a little one’s smile in photos and of course to see the growth in your child as they fall out. It can be a “major event” for your child to have a tooth fall out especially if their friends teeth are falling out also. The point is that your child’s teeth are a source of pride, beauty and a sign of their growth and development as they fall out.

Neglecting children’s teeth, allowing them to eat excessive sweets and not insisting on proper hygiene can lead to decay and unpleasant experiences for your child along with loss of self-esteem.  There are Pediatric Dentists that specialize in children’s dentistry and they are equipped to deal with some difficult situations, more extensive restoration of baby teeth and are also prepared to administer sedation to your child if there is fear and high anxiety.

Some Family or General Dentists also treat children’s teeth. I feel it is good for a child to visit a dentist before they are two years old so the child’s development can be monitored and most importantly a RELATIONSHIP can be established with the dental office. It can become FUN to go to the dentist if the child is not forced to go from initial examination into fillings and more extensive work because the child has not been seen on a timely basis and now, they have decay that has to be treated. It is much better if the child has been going to the dentist BEFORE there is any need for treatment so that the relationship has been established and they feel trusting and relaxed in the office. Remember, your child’s teeth are important to care for and protect. For your child’s sake. There is nothing better than a beautiful smile beaming from a little persons face!