Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry

Most children's first tooth emerges between 6 and 12 months of age, though earlier eruption is common. Typically, the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) appear first, followed by the four upper front teeth (central and lateral incisors). By age three, children generally have their complete set of primary teeth. Permanent teeth begin emerging around age 6, starting with first molars and lower central incisors. At approximately age 8, children lose their lower and upper front primary teeth (central and lateral incisors), which are replaced by permanent teeth. Additional permanent teeth continue to emerge around age 10, with the process potentially continuing until about age 21. Adults have 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth (third molars).

Although primary teeth are temporary, they serve critical functions. Premature loss of baby teeth can create space issues, allowing adjacent teeth to shift into the vacant area. This movement may cause alignment problems when permanent teeth emerge, potentially resulting in crooked teeth and improper bite. Additionally, primary teeth play an essential role in proper chewing and eating, which contributes to adequate nutrition during important developmental years.

Baby bottle tooth decay is a prevalent form of early childhood caries caused by prolonged exposure to sugary beverages. This condition primarily affects the upper front teeth, though other teeth may also develop decay. Early indicators include white spots on tooth surfaces or along the gum line, and increased tooth sensitivity. Advanced stages manifest as brown or black spots on teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, fever, and halitosis. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, immediate consultation with a pediatric dentist is necessary to prevent more serious complications. Prevention strategies include: offering only water in bedtime bottles, cleaning your baby's gums after feedings, gently brushing newly emerged teeth, and restricting consumption of sugary foods and beverages.

For a fractured tooth, collect all fragments and store them in a clean container with milk or the child's saliva-never use water for transport. With a knocked-out tooth, handle only the crown portion, avoiding contact with the root. Immediate dental attention is essential to prevent infection and additional complications. Your pediatric dentist can repair the damaged tooth or restore it with a crown, depending on the extent of injury.

When your child experiences a cut on the tongue, cheek, or lip with significant bleeding, apply clean gauze to the affected area. Ice application can also help control bleeding. If hemostasis cannot be achieved, contact your pediatric dentist immediately or proceed to the emergency room. Extended exposure of oral wounds increases infection risk, so prompt attention is necessary.

For toothache relief, have your child rinse their mouth with warm water. If pain continues for more than 24 hours, contact your pediatric dentist for evaluation. Persistent dental pain often indicates underlying issues that require professional assessment and treatment.

Dental radiographs provide essential diagnostic information beyond what visual examination reveals. X-rays detect cavities, visualize erupting teeth, diagnose bone conditions, assess injury damage, and assist in orthodontic treatment planning. Early detection through radiographs allows for more comfortable treatment for children and more cost-effective care for parents. Modern dental x-ray equipment is designed with safety in mind, using filters to eliminate unnecessary radiation and restricting the beam to the specific area of interest. The radiation exposure from dental radiographs is minimal and presents significantly less risk than undiagnosed dental problems. Pediatric dentists prioritize minimizing radiation exposure while obtaining necessary diagnostic information.

Orthodontic issues can be identified as early as ages 2-3, often allowing preventative measures that may reduce the need for extensive treatment later. For children between 2-6 years, treatment focuses on addressing habits like thumb or finger sucking, underdeveloped dental arches, and premature primary tooth loss. The period between ages 6-12 is particularly favorable for addressing jaw and dental alignment issues, as children's soft and hard tissues typically respond effectively to orthodontic and orthopedic interventions during this developmental stage.