Find An Office Affordable Care Services What To Expect Book Now Call 1-844-800-7645 Services Pediatric Dentistry (Children) General Dentistry Abscess Tooth Treatment Bridges Cavities Crowns Dental Checkup Emergency Dental Care Fillings Fluoride Treatment Oral Exam Sealants Sedation Dentistry Teeth Cleaning Toothache Relief X-Rays Specialty Dentistry Braces Braces 101 Caring for Braces Dental Implants Dentures Endodontics Family Dentistry Gum Disease Invisalign Oral Surgery Orthodontics Pediatric Dentistry (Children) Periodontics (Gums) Prosthodontics (Missing Teeth) Root Canals Tooth Extraction Wisdom Teeth Removal Cosmetic Dental Care Bonding Chipped Tooth Teeth Whitening Veneers Just as pediatricians specialize in health care for children, pediatric dentistry refers to children's dental care. Sometimes called pedodontics, pediatric dentistry starts even before a child's first teeth appear. Your child's dentist can assess oral health and ensure that new teeth grow normally. Early dental visits also teach children about proper oral hygiene from a young age and foster good dental habits. Kids who learn early that dental visits are neither painful nor unpleasant generally grow into adults who feel comfortable with regular dental upkeep. Dentists who specialize in pediatric care undergo additional training for two years to become familiar with the teeth of toddlers, young children and teens. What Does Pediatric Dentistry Entail? Children's teeth are markedly different from the set of teeth they will have as adults. The smaller, softer deciduous teeth, also called milk teeth or baby teeth, that erupt in the first few years of a child's life have thread-like roots. These delicate roots facilitate their eventual loss when permanent teeth grow to replace them. However, shallow roots also make early tooth loss a concern. While a tooth that will soon be lost may not need replacement, a tooth lost to a sports injury or fall may need a crown or bridgework to maintain proper tooth spacing and bite health. Baby teeth can also get cavities, and like cavities in adult teeth, they can be painful. Cavities in baby teeth are frequently associated with corresponding decay in permanent teeth, so it is still important to keep a child's mouth free of decay and to fill any cavities even if those teeth will eventually disappear. Children who visit the dentist at early ages are likelier to develop good brushing habits that can forestall future cavities. Pediatric dentists also deal with issues unique to children's teeth. Baby bottle tooth decay is fairly common and should be addressed early. Thumb-sucking and pacifiers can affect a child's bite. Your child's dentist can monitor growing teeth and ensure that permanent teeth are growing in well. If necessary, the dentist can also recommend an orthodontist who can correct crooked or gapped teeth soon after the permanent teeth appear. Brushing and flossing instructions, fluoride treatments and baby tooth removal are other tasks a pediatric dentist might do. How Do Children's Teeth Develop? Children have smaller jaws and fewer teeth than they will have as adults. When they are young, kids have a maximum of 20 teeth. Tooth growth begins at the front with incisors, the flat teeth that comprise the most visible part of the smile, and continues toward the round molars toward the back of the jaw. The first permanent molars erupt behind the baby molars without displacing them at around 6 years old. Another full set of four molars comes in six years later, and at 18, the wisdom teeth erupt for the full adult complement of 32 teeth. Although most babies are born without teeth, some have one or more teeth already peeking from their gums at birth. Children get their teeth at widely varying times, but the following list is an approximate indication of when a child's baby teeth generally appear. Central front teeth at 6 to 12 months Lateral front teeth at 9 to 13 months Canine teeth at 16 months to 2 years First and second molars at 1 to 3 years When Should a Child See a Dentist? Most pediatric dentists recommend bringing a child in for an initial visit before one year of age. Even children without teeth should have their oral health assessed. Babies are prone to conditions such as thrush and may develop gum infections before teeth erupt. Like adults, children should see the dentist every six months. The schedule is especially important to maintain for kids whose teeth are in a state of flux as baby teeth disappear and adult teeth erupt. Regular visits also allow your dentist to assess how well the permanent teeth are growing in and recommend steps for a healthier bite. Take your child to the dentist sooner in the event of an injury or tooth pain. Although their roots are smaller, baby teeth still have nerves and can be quite painful or sensitive if damaged. A dentist can also encourage a stubborn milk tooth to leave the gums and make room for a new permanent tooth. The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry Despite the temporary nature of your child's teeth, pediatric dentistry is as important as dental visits for adults. Keeping milk teeth healthy and intact for as long as possible serves a variety of purposes: Saving space for permanent teeth Facilitating normal speech development Contributing to proper nutrition Giving permanent teeth a healthier start Locations Find an Office Book an Appointment Patient Forms Dental Services Affordable Dentistry Braces & Clear Aligners Dental Emergencies Dental Glossary FAQs Affordable Care Insurance & Financing Coupons OneSmile Dental Plan Union Discounts About Us Blog Patient Safety Press Room Contact Us Careers Follow Us Call 1-844-800-7645 Emergencies & Walk-Ins Welcome Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy