Children's dental care in Oshkosh

What Age Should a Child Visit the Dentist?

It's time to visit a children's dentist when you see that your child has baby teeth coming in. These guidelines are set by the child dental health professionals at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Kids' dental care should become a priority by your child's first birthday or when a baby tooth is first erupting through the gums.

You might be surprised to learn that children can get cavities in their baby teeth. The front teeth of young children are vulnerable to decay due to the effects of baby bottle tooth decay. This form of tooth decay frequently occurs in babies who are put to bed with a bottle containing a sugary liquid, such as milk, formula, or juice. To protect your child's developing teeth, we recommend avoiding putting your child to bed with a sippy cup or bottle.

Your Child's Dental Visit: What to Expect

A pediatric dental care appointment is focused on the examination of your child's teeth, gums, and jaw to be sure that your child's mouth is developing normally. We'll check your child's mouth for cavities, and the dental hygienist will clean and polish their teeth to remove plaque buildup. It's possible for older children to receive x-rays, but smaller children usually don't require an x-ray. See our children's dentist in Oshkosh regularly to help your child maintain a healthy smile for life.

Examples of Dental Services for Children

Our dentistry for children services includes preventive and restorative options. The services you can receive at our office include:

Teeth cleaning for children: A kid's teeth cleaning involves polishing teeth to remove all traces of plaque and tartar, and they're important for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride: Fluoride for children's teeth works to strengthen tooth enamel and fight tooth decay. These treatments are applied to each tooth's surface.

Dental sealants: Dental sealants for kids act as a protective layer against cavities and prevent pieces of food and bacteria from sticking to teeth.

Fillings: Our kids' dentist can also treat tooth decay by adding fillings in baby teeth and permanent teeth. These fillings prevent the development of further tooth decay.

Pediatric crowns: Crowning baby teeth may be necessary for children who have large cavities that can't be treated with a dental filling. To fully restore the tooth, a crown is placed on top of the affected tooth.

Mouthguards: Children who play contact sports like football or hockey can benefit from a sports mouthguard. We also offer a kids mouthguard for children who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping.

When Do Baby Teeth First Develop?

Baby teeth can first erupt through the gum tissue at any time from four months old to one year old. It's typical for baby teeth to erupt in pairs, and you might notice your child's two bottom front teeth developing first. The two upper teeth generally develop soon after. Most young kids will have 20 baby teeth by the time they reach their third birthday, but every child is different when it comes to a schedule for tooth eruption. If you have any questions about the development of your child's teeth, please call our office to schedule an examination with our childrens dentist.

When Do Baby Teeth Start to Fall Out?

Your child might notice a loose tooth by the age of five or six, and the baby teeth will gradually fall out to make room for permanent teeth. The lower central incisors, which are the two bottom front teeth, are usually lost first. In general, the baby teeth your child developed first are also the first ones to fall out.

Why Do Children Get Toothaches? 

Just like with adults, there are numerous reasons why your child is experiencing a toothache. Most toothaches are a sign that your child has a cavity, but food stuck between teeth, a cracked or chipped tooth, and the eruption of a new tooth are also causes of a toothache. A persistent toothache is a sign that your child needs an evaluation from our children's dentist in Oshkosh.

If you've noticed that your child is developing baby teeth, you're probably wondering, "Where can I find a children's dentist near me?" From the eruption of the first tooth all the way through adolescence, our experienced dental team can help your child develop a healthy smile.