Caring for Your Child's Adult Teeth vs. Baby Teeth

We all have different dental needs at different points in our life. Childhood is when we set the standard for taking care of our teeth in the future. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA, our team is dedicated to helping you teach your child good habits and helping you guide them through the important parts of their dental care as they lose their baby teeth and grow into adult teeth.

Keep reading to find out some of the crucial differences between your child's baby teeth and adult teeth and what you need to know.

How are children's dental needs different from adults?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on improving, supporting, and maintaining the oral health of younger patients, including infants, children, and teenagers. So Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates can be with you all the way.

Children's dental needs are different from adults due to their changing and developing teeth, gums, and jaws. Children's baby teeth are typically smaller, thinner, and more susceptible to decay than adult ones. It is vital for parents to bring their children to the dentist regularly and to teach them good oral hygiene habits from an early age.

What do I need to know about caring for my child's baby teeth?

We recommend that children visit a pediatric dentist for their initial visit before the first tooth erupts, which is typically around the age of 8 – 10 months. After this first appointment, our team suggests that all patients receive dental cleanings and checkups at least twice yearly.

Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for your child's baby teeth at home:

• You can start dental care early by cleaning your baby's gums with a damp cloth even before their first tooth emerges. When their first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

• Giving your child sugary drinks and snacks can increase their risk of cavities.

• Encourage good oral hygiene habits by teaching your child to brush and floss regularly. Supervise their brushing until they can do it effectively on their own.

• Avoid prolonged use of pacifiers and thumb-sucking beyond the ages of by age 3 or 4. These can cause misalignment of the teeth and bite problems.

What do I need to know about my child's transition from dental care with baby teeth to adult teeth?

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we help you focus on improving your child's oral health and support your efforts to teach them the importance of preventative dentistry so they can avoid cavities and dental anxiety in the future.

The transition to adult teeth is a crucial stage in oral development and sets the foundation for oral health in adulthood.

Here are a few things to keep in mind over the years as your child grows:

• The growth of permanent, adult teeth can begin around age six and can continue with the full growth of wisdom teeth until age 25.

• Adult teeth can be well cared for and still have alignment issues, so regular dental checkups are vital to making sure teeth grow healthy and strong.

• Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to support the alignment of the adult teeth.

Get care for your child's adult and baby teeth in Lancaster, PA

It's crucial that children know from a young age that dentists are there to help assist them with staying healthy as well as helping to fix what ails them. Good oral hygiene habits are essential, but even if there is a problem later on, we want to ensure your child is comfortable coming to their appointments as teens and following up with their own dentist as adults.

To get started at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA, request an appointment today and invest in the future of your child's smile.