Baby teeth are important because they save space in the mouth for eventual adult teeth, in addition to helping kids learn to speak, bite, and chew properly. Baby teeth are temporary, but they do need to be functional for quite some time. First teeth appear around six months, while the last baby molars don’t fall out until 12 to 13 years of age. Keeping baby teeth healthy and intact increases the likelihood that adult teeth will appear in favorable positions, reducing the chances of future orthodontic treatment.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby teeth have thinner enamel and a greater percentage of inner pulp that lies closer to the tooth surface. Due to these factors, Drs. Sarrah & Kenny Zamora will recommend the quick repair of small cavities in baby teeth with fillings as a proactive measure against more complex future treatment.
If a severely compromised baby tooth is unlikely to be restored successfully using other filling materials, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends stainless steel crowns be used, especially in cases where the tooth has already received pulpal (root canal) therapy. If your child needs a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, don’t worry! These procedures are commonplace today, and your Odenton dentist can help.
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Baby teeth are important because they save space in the mouth for eventual adult teeth, in addition to helping kids learn to speak, bite, and chew properly. Baby teeth are temporary, but they do need to be functional for quite some time. First teeth appear around six months, while the last baby molars don’t fall out until 12 to 13 years of age. Keeping baby teeth healthy and intact increases the likelihood that adult teeth will appear in favorable positions, reducing the chances of future orthodontic treatment.