by Miranda Booher | Nov 12, 2024 | Children's Oral Health, Pediatric Dental, Pediatric Dental Emergencies
As parents, we strive to keep our children safe and healthy, and that includes their oral health. While regular dental check-ups are essential, unexpected situations can arise. Dental emergencies in children can be distressing, but knowing how to recognize and respond to them is crucial. In this article, we will explore what constitutes a dental emergency, common types of dental emergencies in children, and steps parents can take to handle these situations effectively.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency encompasses any oral health problem demanding immediate attention to relieve pain, avert additional harm, or preserve a tooth. These emergencies can happen suddenly and may involve a range of problems affecting your child’s teeth, gums, or mouth.
Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency is of paramount importance, especially for first-time parents. As caregivers, we often find ourselves faced with a myriad of new challenges, and when it comes to our child’s health, every moment counts.
By knowing when to seek urgent treatment, parents can potentially save their children from unnecessary pain, complications, and long-term dental issues. Being well-informed about dental emergencies is a crucial aspect of responsible parenthood, providing peace of mind and promoting the best possible care for their little ones.
Common Dental Emergencies in Children
Having a clear understanding of dental emergencies empowers parents to distinguish between situations that require immediate attention and those that can wait for a regular dental appointment. This knowledge not only helps alleviate anxiety but also ensures timely and appropriate care for their child’s oral health.
- Toothaches: Persistent toothaches can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as a cavity, abscess, or infection. If your child complains of a severe toothache, it’s essential to schedule a dental appointment promptly.
- Knocked-Out Teeth: Accidents can lead to knocked-out or avulsed teeth. In this scenario, urgency is paramount. Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing and try to place it back in its socket if possible. If not, keep it in a container of milk and seek immediate dental care.
- Broken or Chipped Teeth: If your child chips or breaks a tooth, gather any broken pieces and rinse their mouth with warm water. Contact the dentist for guidance on whether immediate care is necessary.
- Loose Baby Teeth: While loose baby teeth are a natural part of growing up, if a primary tooth becomes loose due to injury, consult your dentist for an evaluation.
- Object Stuck Between Teeth: If your child gets an object stuck between their teeth, resist the urge to use sharp objects to remove it, which could cause further damage. Instead, contact your dentist for assistance.
- Bleeding Gums: Persistent gum bleeding, especially after an injury or fall, could indicate gum damage or a more severe problem. Seek professional advice promptly.
Steps to Handle a Dental Emergency
Just in case you need it, here is a step guide:
- Stay Calm: Your child will look to you for reassurance, so try to remain calm and composed.
- Assess the Situation: Determine the severity of the dental emergency. Is there bleeding, swelling, or visible damage?
- Contact Your Dentist: Call your pediatric dentist immediately to explain the situation and receive guidance on the next steps. Many dental offices have emergency protocols and can provide immediate assistance.
- First Aid: Depending on the situation, you may need to provide basic first aid, such as rinsing the mouth with warm water, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, or using over-the-counter pain relievers if recommended by your dentist.
- Transport Safely: If the situation requires a visit to the dentist’s office, ensure your child is transported safely. Keep any dislodged teeth or broken pieces in a clean container with milk or saline solution.
- Prevention: Remember that prevention is the best strategy. Encourage your child to wear mouthguards during sports activities, and maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of dental emergencies.
Natural Ways to Alleviate Toothache Discomfort
While not substitutes for immediate dental care, some natural remedies can help alleviate the discomfort associated with toothaches caused by pain or inflammation. Here are five home remedies that can provide temporary relief for your child:
- Saltwater Rinse: To reduce inflammation and clean the affected area. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, have your child swish it gently, and then spit it out.
- Garlic: Garlic’s natural antibacterial properties may help with toothache pain. Grind a garlic clove into a paste and administer it to the afflicted region. Use this remedy with caution due to its strong odor.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea has soothing properties. Brew a cup, let it cool down, and have your child rinse their mouth with it. You can also use a cooled tea bag as a compress on the sore area.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Pure aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied directly to the painful area for relief.
- Ice Pack: Applying a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the outside of the cheek near the sore tooth can numb the area and reduce swelling. Ensure the ice doesn’t directly touch the skin to prevent frostbite.
These natural remedies can temporarily alleviate pain and inflammation, but it’s essential to remember that they do not replace the need for professional dental evaluation and treatment. Consulting a pediatric dentist promptly is crucial to address the underlying cause of the toothache and prevent further complications.
In conclusion, dental emergencies can be unsettling, but with the right knowledge and quick action, you can minimize the impact on your child’s oral health. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for prevention, but accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference in ensuring your child’s dental well-being. If you ever find yourself facing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist for support and guidance. Your child’s smile is worth it!
by Miranda Booher | Sep 13, 2023 | Children's Oral Health, Community News, Pediatric Dental, Pediatric Dental Treatments
At Utah Pediatric Dentists, our team is committed to creating a comfortable and kid-friendly environment while offering a comprehensive range of services to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright. While our Sedation Dentistry and Frenectomy are among our standout services, we offer a variety of other essential treatments and care. Let’s explore each one!
Sedation Dentistry
At Utah Pediatric Dentists, we understand that a trip to the dentist’s office can sometimes make kids a bit anxious. That’s why we offer the magic of Sedation Dentistry – it’s like a dental fairytale come true! So, let’s dive into this enchanting world and see how it works.
Imagine getting a special potion, but instead of a magic spell, it’s a safe and calming medicine. We prescribe oral sedatives for kids who may be a tad nervous about dental procedures. Sometimes, these can be taken at home, like a secret bedtime elixir to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep before the big dental adventure. Or, they can be taken right before heading to our office, so your little hero arrives calm and ready to face the dental dragon! It’s perfect for those youngsters who might have trouble sitting still during their appointment.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry: A Heroic Quest!
At Utah Pediatric Dentists, we’re on a mission to change the way kids see the dentist! Our dental wizards, also known as pediatric dentists, have undergone rigorous training (3-4 years extra!) and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and potions for pediatric sedation dentistry. We offer three incredible sedation options right in our office:
- Oral Sedation: A sprinkle of magic dust for a relaxed and awake experience.
- Nitrous Oxide: The giggle gas that makes kids feel super comfy.
- Intravenous Sedation: Taking a journey to the land of dreams.
We’re safety wizards too. We carefully consider your child’s medical history, and any medications, vitamins, or magical potions they’re currently taking. We then match it with their age and development to ensure the right dosage.
Frenectomy
Is your little one facing the challenge of a tongue tie or lip tie? This can lead to a series of issues, including difficulties with breastfeeding, picky eating in early childhood, digestive problems, improper jaw development, speech troubles, and even obstructive sleep apnea, especially in the case of tongue ties.
But fear not, intrepid parents! Utah Pediatric Dentists is here to set those smiles free and provide the solution your child needs through a pediatric laser lip tie or tongue tie treatment, also known as a frenectomy procedure.
Laser Frenectomies: A Trustworthy Adventure
When it comes to laser frenectomy, parents, pediatricians, and lactation specialists trust our team of dentists to provide the safest and most effective treatments available in Bountiful, Taylorsville, and Herriman. Whether it’s an infant tongue tie or a lip tie in a baby, we have a wealth of experience in these procedures, and families often travel from far and wide for our safe and effective frenulum cut laser treatments.
But it’s not just that which sets us apart. We’ve invested in cutting-edge soft tissue dentistry equipment, including the CO2 laser from LightScalpel. This state-of-the-art technology ensures that your child’s frenectomy experience is as comfortable and seamless as possible.
CO2 Laser Frenectomy: Where Magic Meets Medicine
What makes CO2 laser frenectomy truly enchanting is the way it operates. Unlike diode lasers, which effectively “burn” the soft tissue away, our LightScalpel CO2 laser gently “vaporizes” the tissue. This means less discomfort for your child during the healing process, as it doesn’t damage surrounding tissues or generate excess heat.
The magic continues as the CO2 laser essentially “seals” the minor capillaries, reducing bleeding to a minimum or even eliminating it altogether. This sealing effect also helps to prevent infection, making CO2 laser frenectomy a safer and more comfortable option compared to traditional methods involving scissors or scalpels.
So, why put your child through unnecessary discomfort and risks when you can choose the magical world of CO2 laser frenectomy at Utah Pediatric Dentists?
Dental Sealants
Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to your child’s molars and premolars. They act as a barrier against decay-causing bacteria, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Picture this, your teeth are like brave knights guarding a castle (your mouth), and they wear special armor to protect themselves from the forces of decay and cavities. Now, let’s talk about the two types of armor in the dental kingdom: Sealants and Fillings!
In a nutshell, sealants are your knights’ invisibility cloaks, shielding them from harm, while fillings are the trusty blacksmiths who repair any battle damage. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of your teeth, they’re all about prevention. So, Both are essential in the quest for a healthy, cavity-free smile!
Pulpotomies
A pulpotomy is a specialized treatment for deep cavities that have reached the pulp (nerve) of a baby tooth. Picture this, your tooth is a tiny castle with a secret treasure chamber deep within, and this treasure chamber is called the “pulp.” It’s where all the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels hang out. But here’s the twist: sometimes, nasty invaders called cavities try to sneak into the castle. They drill tiny holes in the castle walls (the enamel) and start causing trouble inside.
When your child’s tooth starts hurting and they complain about it, it’s like the tooth’s way of sending a distress signal to the kingdom. That’s when our heroic dentists step in! They become the knights in shining armor, ready to save the day with a “therapeutic pulpotomy.”
A pulpotomy is like a magical rescue mission inside the tooth. Our brave dentists journey into the castle (the tooth) to deal with the troublemakers (the cavities) and soothe the nerves. They fix everything up, making the tooth happy and pain-free again.
Crowns
If your child has a severely damaged or decayed tooth, our dental crowns can restore its strength and function. Our pediatric dentists use crowns made of high-quality materials to ensure durability and a natural appearance.
So if your tooth is a tiny castle, and sometimes it faces dragon-sized problems like cavities or cracks. That’s when the dental wizards swoop in and craft a custom-made dental crown, like a magical helmet, to protect and strengthen your tooth. But the best part? Your tooth gets to choose the color and style, making it feel like a toothy superhero in its very own castle fashion show. With its new crown, your tooth is ready to rule the kingdom of your mouth, chewing, chomping, and smiling with confidence!
Composite Fillings
When cavities occur, our tooth-colored composite fillings are a perfect choice. These fillings are not only strong and durable but also blend seamlessly with the natural tooth color, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing result. As we mentioned above, think of fillings as the repair crew for your knights’ armor. Sometimes, despite their best efforts, the knights might get a little chink in their armor (a cavity). That’s when the dental wizards step in and use fillings to patch things up.
Extractions
Losing a tooth is like a rite of passage in the grand adventure of growing up! It’s like finding buried treasure in the backyard of childhood. When your child discovers a wiggly tooth, it’s like stumbling upon a hidden gem. They’ll wiggle and jiggle, and sometimes, they become little tooth explorers, helping that tooth become extra loose and ready to pop out. But sometimes—due to severe decay, infection, or crowding issues—teeth need a little nudge from the dental heroes at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry.
So, bring your little wizards to Utah Pediatric Dentists, where smiles get a sprinkle of magic and dental adventures are always enchanting!
by Miranda Booher | Apr 19, 2023 | Children's Oral Health, Community News, Dentistry News, Uncategorized
Unveiling the Magic of Dental Crowns: A Tale of Smiles and Protection
Once upon a time, in the enchanting kingdom of dental health, there lived a remarkable hero known as the Dental Crown. This noble protector took on the shape of a tooth, like a tailor crafting a custom-made suit, and placed itself over the tooth to shield it from any further harm or mischief. The secret to its strength lay in a magical process where tooth crown materials were mixed, molded, and hardened in a mysterious lab.
But the magic didn’t stop there! These crowns were designed to blend seamlessly with their neighboring teeth, much like chameleons changing their colors to match their surroundings. Porcelain crowns, in particular, had a unique advantage – they could be tinted to mimic the exact shade of nearby teeth.
Dental Crown Wonders
Now, let’s embark on a quest to uncover the mystical procedure behind these dental crown wonders. It was a two-part adventure! In the first chapter, the tooth had to be prepared. This involved a dental wizard performing X-rays to understand the lay of the land. An impression of your child’s mouth was also taken as a magical map. Then, with the skill of a master craftsman, they filed the tooth, removing any damage and reshaping it to welcome the crown. Another impression was made, but this time, it was for the crown itself. A temporary crown was crafted for the tooth, ensuring it stayed safe until the permanent crown was ready in the lab.
The second chapter of this dental fairy tale was scheduled for when the crown was complete. The temporary crown was removed, and the tooth was given a thorough cleaning and preparation. The fit of the crown was double-checked to ensure it was a perfect match for the tooth. With a wave of their wand – or maybe just a dab of dental cement – the dental wizard placed the crown on the tooth and sealed it in place.
Now, you might ask, “Was this magical quest painful?” Fear not, for the dental wizards were experts in their endeavors. They applied magical local anesthesia to the area before beginning their work, ensuring there was no discomfort during the procedure. But they also knew that each hero (or in this case, patient) had a unique journey, filled with different emotions and fears. So, they offered four different sedation options, making sure that every child’s experience was tranquil and comfortable.
The Enchanted Journey of a Dental Crown’s Lifespan
In the mystical realm of dental health, where smiles sparkle like treasure, the lifespan of a dental crown is a tale filled with twists and turns. These magical crowns can grace a tooth for anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer, but their destiny is influenced by a host of factors.
In this enchanted realm, your actions are the key to a longer-lasting crown. Practicing proper dental hygiene, embarking on brave quests to the dentist for regular checkups, and indulging in professional cleanings are all within your control, ensuring that your child’s dental crown shines for years to come. But beware, for lurking in the shadows are foes that seek to shorten the crown’s journey. Teeth-grinding dragons, gum disease trolls, nail-biting ogres, jaw-clenching giants, and those who wield teeth as tools to open bottles and packages can all hasten the crown’s retreat.
Our quest, dear parents and young adventurers is to empower you with the knowledge to safeguard your child’s dental treasure. We beg you to forge healthy dental hygiene routines in your homes and to be mindful of the treacherous temptations that lurk in the form of sugary snacks, sodas, and juices.
Now, let us unveil the mystical world of Dental Crowns for Kids, where the path to dental restoration takes shape. In certain daring quests, when a child’s tooth is more perilously decayed or damaged than a composite filling or pulpotomy can mend, we may embark on a grand adventure with a dental crown.
Your Child’s Crowned Options: A Magical Choice
Here at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we offer two illustrious types of crowns, each with its own unique magic. Our arsenal includes the formidable stainless steel crowns and the elegant porcelain crowns.
The Mighty Stainless Steel Crown: Hidden Strength
When the tooth in question lies in the shadows, hidden from immediate view, we often call upon the mighty stainless steel crown. Its strength is legendary, capable of withstanding the mightiest of bites and chews. It guards the natural structure of the tooth and rarely falls prey to the chipping or cracking that plagues lesser crowns.
The Whimsical Porcelain Crown: Aesthetic Elegance
Yet, the metallic visage of the stainless steel crown may not be for all. Some adventurers seek a more aesthetically pleasing path, and for them, the porcelain crown is the answer. These elegant crowns wear a white, pearly visage, making them the favored choice for teeth that grace the frontlines of the smile battle.
And so, dear travelers in the realm of dental wonder, you are armed with the knowledge to make wise choices for your child’s oral adventures. Whether it’s the resilient strength of stainless steel or the enchanting elegance of porcelain, each crown holds its own magic, ready to protect and adorn their precious smiles.
The Post-Crown Dental Quest: Guarding the Treasures Within
In the kingdom of dental adventures, once your child’s tooth is graced with a gleaming dental crown, a new chapter of care begins. Fear not, for it’s a quest your child can embark upon with confidence!
First, a word of caution – for a few days, we recommend steering clear of sticky, chewy candies. Think of it as a grace period for the crown to settle into its new role as guardian of the tooth. But aside from this short candy hiatus, life should return to its usual rhythm.
Now, let us turn our attention to the heroic guardians of your child’s oral realm – the gums! The dental crown, valiant as it is, doesn’t extend its protection to the gum. So, like vigilant knights, we must ensure that healthy gums are safeguarded. This requires the continuation of a twice-daily routine: brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes and embarking on a daring quest of flossing at least once a day.
With these noble habits firmly in place, your child’s dental health shall flourish, and their smile will continue to shine brightly in the realm of dental wonders.
And so, dear adventurers in the world of dental enchantment, we’ve unveiled the mysteries of dental crowns and their noble quest to protect and beautify. Remember, as your child’s smile continues to sparkle, these dental treasures stand ready, guarding their precious teeth with unwavering valor. As you navigate the journey of oral health, may your child’s smile be as radiant as a dragon’s hoard, and may their dental adventures be filled with joy and wonder!
by Miranda Booher | Nov 21, 2022 | Dentistry News, Uncategorized
As we near the end of 2022, it’s a great time to get some last-minute dental checkups and make sure your mouth is ending the year in good shape too. A lot of Americans don’t realize that once that clock hits 12 o’clock midnight on December 31st, your dental insurance resets and you lose out on any insurance benefits you still had left. Keep in mind that your benefits don’t carry over to the next year, so if they expire, you’ve wasted all of your money paying premiums to the insurance provider. Not to mention that every year, the cost of all services, including dental care, is subject to inflation. This leaves many feeling like they missed out on much-needed dental care they could have used if only they knew how the system worked.
Even if you don’t require any dental work, why not schedule a dental checkup or cleaning? Your oral and general health depends on preventive dental care. Your dentist can spot dental problems early on during these routine visits before they can get worse. Early detection of dental problems may wind up saving you time and money. Everyone can benefit from a dental cleaning, so if using your plan to its fullest before January 1st involves making an appointment for one, so be it!
Considerations for Dental Insurance Coverage
Here are some factors that will motivate you to maximize your insurance coverage in 2022:
- Preventive Care: The majority of health policies provide two free appointments for services like cleanings and exams. You still have time to make an appointment if you haven’t had both checkups this year.
- Annual Maximum: Dental insurance policies frequently have a yearly maximum they are prepared to cover within a given calendar year. Although the exact sum varies, it is typically close to $1,000 per person. Since these unused benefits don’t carry over into the next year, it makes sense to use them if you require any restorative procedures.
- Monthly Premiums: Regardless of how often you use the insurance plan, you must always pay a monthly fee. Don’t throw away the money you worked so hard for! Even if you don’t require dental care, it’s still crucial to maintain your monthly exam schedule.
- Healthy Smile: Being proactive with preventive dental care is the cornerstone of a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. We will examine the condition of your teeth and gums at each of your routine cleanings. If early indications of gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues are found, we can then provide recommendations.
- Dental Issues: If you are currently experiencing any dental problems that need to be treated, don’t put it off. Waiting to consult a dentist puts you at risk for a future procedure that is more extensive and costly. A little cavity is simple to heal right now, but if you don’t take care of it, it could develop into a root canal in the future.
Dental Recare Treatment
Suppose you have recently had any kind of dental treatment done like a root canal, cavity removal, wisdom tooth removal, or any type of treatment at all. In that case, recare appointments are essential in order for your dentist to observe and ensure that no infections or further damage are being done to your teeth/gums. As part of a treatment plan or after receiving dental care, dental recare procedures entail careful supervision of your oral health. Your dentist will examine you for any potential issues and perform any necessary remedies during these dental sessions. To ensure that you are recovering well, observations are also made on how your gums, teeth, and jawbones are mending. These recare appointments can be six months or even longer after you have had your treatment done, so there is no better time to have your practitioner take a look at your oral health once more before the year ends.
The American Dental Association pushes dentists to remind their patients about recare appointments, so if your dentist has been reminding you to come in for a recare session, we recommend you take them up on it and get everything checked out.
Why are Recare Sessions so Important?
As long as disease-causing bacteria are present, complications with dental procedures are possible. A dentist must regularly examine medical and dental issues to make sure they are being effectively addressed.
Recall or recare appointments that are skipped could result in worse dental issues, such as an infection spreading to other areas of the face and body. Neglect can occasionally result in potentially fatal illnesses like sepsis.
If you have periodontal disease, just had braces put in, or had root canal therapy, it’s crucial that you go in for a recare appointment as a lot can go wrong if you don’t. In cases like these, simply practicing good oral hygiene isn’t always enough. Missing or skipping a dental cleaning and braces adjustment could make your treatment plan take longer. Plaque accumulation in difficult-to-reach areas between the wires and your teeth can also cause tooth decay to advance. Now that most dental offices are open, schedule an appointment to prevent having your braces treatment extended.
Below the surface, a lot may happen to our teeth and gums. You can check your dental health and safeguard your overall health by keeping your recare appointments on time. The American Dental Association stresses the value of regular dental checkups during the pandemic. Dental procedures like cleanings and other oral interventions are essential for preserving our overall health. Your immune system, which protects you from viral infections like COVID-19, can be impacted by any illness that develops in your mouth.
It can be challenging to fit it all in with the approaching holiday season. We know how hectic your schedule can become, but this is a fantastic chance to put your health first. Call our office right away so we can book an appointment that works well with your busy schedule.
by Miranda Booher | Nov 4, 2022 | Children's Oral Health, Dentistry News, Uncategorized
When they are young, children go through various developmental milestones. Some days, it seems like time moves very slowly when you’re a tired parent balancing so many duties. Other days, it seems as though your child is suddenly growing up way too fast for your liking, and you long for time to go slower in these situations. Children experience so many major life milestones! Have you ever thought about all the dental milestones that children can reach? How about what to expect? The specific timing for each child varies. However, the majority of kids should reach the following dental milestones:
Birth to One Year: Eruption of Baby Teeth
You might not be aware of it, but your baby’s primary teeth are starting to form in her jaw even before her first tooth erupts. By the time they turn one, most babies’ first teeth should start to erupt. The two bottom teeth are often the first to erupt.
Teething episodes can be difficult, but they can also be exciting since they show your baby is developing. Their new teeth will provide them access to a larger variety of foods and, eventually, facilitate verbal communication.
Age 1 – 3 Years: First Dental Visit
Your child’s teeth will be actively erupting throughout this time, and by the time she is three, her mouth will be completely filled with baby teeth. Now is the ideal time to schedule a dental appointment for your child if you haven’t already. Keep in mind that baby teeth do matter! They will help with speech development and hold space for the permanent teeth.
Your child should have a complete set of 20 baby teeth by the age of three, including four central incisors, four lateral incisors, four canines, and eight molars. But, well before this time, you can assist kids in developing healthy oral hygiene practices!
As soon as any teeth appear, begin daily brushing with a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, you can floss between their teeth daily. By doing this from an early age, they can become accustomed to and at ease with regular dental hygiene!
Age 5 or 6: First Tooth Lost
The next significant dental milestone is the loss of baby teeth and the emergence of permanent teeth. This is referred to as “mixed dentition” by your dentist. Around the age of five or six, it occurs. Your child will typically need six years to lose all of her baby teeth before her last set of adult teeth erupts (except the wisdom teeth). As a parent, you must constantly check on your kid to make sure she is cleaning her teeth at least twice a day. Encourage her and make sure it’s enjoyable for her instead of feeling like a job. Additionally, your child should now go twice a year for checkups and preventative treatment at the dentist.
Baby teeth that are lost will be replaced with adult teeth. Because the gums already have room for teeth to grow, this might occasionally cause some pain and discomfort, though not nearly as much as when they were still developing their baby teeth.
Age 12 to 13: Molar Eruption
All of your child’s typical adult teeth erupt around the age of 12 or 13, along with the 12-year molars. This time, there can be dental problems that require care, like overlap, crowding, or a bad bite. Braces may be required for your child’s treatment. Most children acquire braces between the ages of 12 and 13, but some dentists may advise an orthodontic evaluation as early as 7. Teenagers are well known for having poor eating habits. Your child may be able to understand how crucial good dental health is to their overall health as they approach this age. Strive to teach children this connection as a parent.
Age 13+: Wisdom Teeth
Most teenagers’ jaws won’t have enough room for their third teeth to erupt. In this case, they might need to be extracted in order to prevent issues down the road such as infection, pain, and movement of neighboring teeth. You may be referred to an oral surgeon by your dentist. Your child’s orthodontist will monitor these teeth if he or she has worn braces by obtaining specialized x-rays. The orthodontist may execute the procedure himself if he is qualified. However, some fortunate patients never develop wisdom teeth or never require removal.
Your child should have 28 adult teeth by the time they are 12 or 13 years old, including four central incisors, four lateral incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and eight molars. They may still have 1-4 wisdom teeth, which are extra molars that erupt between the ages of 17 and 26.
By regularly brushing and flossing their teeth, drinking lots of water, eating a balanced diet, and coming to our clinic for regular professional cleanings, they may maintain excellent oral health. If your child participates in sports, they should wear a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth.
There are a number of developmental dental milestones that children will experience throughout their childhood up until their young adult lives. They will develop baby teeth, lose them, then grow adult teeth, possibly requiring wisdom tooth extraction. Children should visit a dentist for a checkup at least once a year, regardless of their dental health or stage of development.
We take great pride in serving patients of all ages, including children, in our many offices. Remember that kids might accomplish their dental milestones earlier or later than the listed ages and still have fantastic oral health! Please get in touch with us right away if you have any concerns about your child’s dental development or inquiries about our services.
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