baby teeth

Why Brush Those Baby Teeth

December 19th, 2019

Baby teeth are a major milestone for kids.  It changes their gummy grins into those of a toddler.  But we all know those teeth don't last long.  So why, some parents ask, do we need to take such good care of teeth that are only temporary?

While it's true they don't last forever, baby teeth perform several important functions.  They play a key role in things like speech development and chewing in your infant.  But beyond that, they hold space for their permanent teeth later on.  Early loss of baby teeth through decay or extraction can have a negative impact on the alignment of their permanent teeth.

Besides, cavities or decay in primary teeth can result in infection and needless pain.  No parent wants their child to go through that.  So keep brushing those baby teeth.  They may not last long, but they have a big impact on your child's smile.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

The Role Baby Teeth Play in Dental Health

September 13th, 2018

Baby teeth sometimes get a bad rap as not being as "important" as the permanent teeth that grow in after them.  Baby teeth, however, play an important role in children's dental development that should not be ignored.

Baby teeth play a role in proper chewing and eating.  They promote correct speech development.  They hold space for permanent teeth, guiding them into the correct position, which in turn aids in the normal development of jaw bones and muscles.  Neglected baby tooth cavities can be painful and, in some cases, progress to serious infection.  The back molars will last until your child is between 10 to 13 years of age.  And finally, the aesthetics of nice baby teeth can give your kid a healthy-looking smile.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

When Will My Kid Lose Their Baby Teeth?

July 17th, 2017

Kids hit all kinds of milestones as they enter kindergarten: first day of school, first friends, first report cards.  But when will your child lose their first baby teeth?

Kids generally lose their first baby teeth between 5-6 years old, although a kid can lose their baby teeth as young as 4 and as old as 7.  So if your child's kindergarten classmates are losing their teeth, but your kiddo isn't, don't worry.  They still have plenty of time to get that first tooth fairy visit.  Generally, the front bottom two teeth are the first to go.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Losing Baby Teeth

January 8th, 2015

Losing baby teeth is another growing milestone during the early school years.  Here are some general statistics about losing baby teeth:

  • Your child can start losing baby teeth as young as 4 and as old as 7.
  • Permanent teeth emerge in roughly the same pattern as baby teeth.  Your child will start getting new front teeth first and gradually work backward.
  • Your child will probably lose his or her last baby tooth in their early teens, at around the same time as they get 12-year molars.

As your child loses baby teeth, encourage them to wiggle, but don't yank.  Especially with the front teeth, you may see the permanent tooth before the baby tooth comes out, and that's okay as long as the tooth above is loose.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you manage all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions about your child losing baby teeth, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!

The Importance of Baby Teeth

July 30th, 2014

For the parents of an infant, baby teeth is one of those precious milestones to look forward to, alongside first words and steps.  But baby teeth are more than just a page in your child's scrapbook.  Primary (or baby) teeth are important for many reasons:

  1. They play a role in proper chewing and eating.
  2. They help with speech development
  3. They hold space for permanent teeth, guiding them into the correct position.
  4. They aid in normal development of jaw bones and muscles.
  5. They make our toddlers' young smiles look great.

So don't neglect the growth of baby teeth.  As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we can help you keep your child's baby teeth healthy.  Feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522 if you have any questions.

 

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!

Your Child's Permanent Teeth

September 26th, 2013

After years of taking care of baby teeth, parents may wonder what happens when a child begins to show permanent teeth.  Here's some information on what to expect.

While most children have 20 baby (primary) teeth (10 on top and 10 below), your child will eventually get 32 permanent teeth (16 on top and 16 below).  Your child's baby teeth will naturally loosen to make way for the permanent teeth that replace them.  Some teeth, especially the molars, will come in without a baby tooth holding its place.  You will see this molar appear around 6-7 years of age.

Your child will be using these teeth throughout the rest of his or her lifetime, so it's good to use proper hygiene even at a young age.  Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and scheduling regular dental visits will help keep your child's smile bright now and well into adulthood.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you understand all aspects of your child's dental care.  Feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!