permanent teeth

What to do with a Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

March 2nd, 2020

Kids have accidents, and it's always best to be prepared in case of an emergency. If your kid accidentally knocks out one of their permanent teeth, here's what you should do:



First, if possible, locate the tooth. Handle it by the crown (top) of the tooth, not by the root. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. You may very GENTLY rinse the tooth with water if you plan to re-implant the tooth.

Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting down on gauze. If you cannot re-insert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk (or ice water if milk is not available). If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek), which can help preserve it.

Time is critical when saving a permanent tooth! Please call our office immediately for an emergency consultation.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Why Permanent Teeth Can Be Delayed

March 5th, 2013

Last week on Facebook, we asked our fans if they had any questions about kids and their teeth.  One fan asked:

My child's top front baby tooth fell out 3 months ago. Why is the permanent tooth taking so long to come in?

There are actually a few reasons that a permanent tooth may take longer to erupt. A common reason is that the baby tooth root resorbed a bit early, causing the baby tooth to fall out early. This means the permanent tooth is not late in erupting, but the baby tooth was just early in falling out.  Another less common reason is that something may be hindering/ blocking a tooth from erupting.  Your dentist can take a radiograph to check for a mesiodens (i.e. an extra tooth), root remnant, or something else that may be blocking or slowing eruption of the permanent tooth.

If you are concerned about a permanent tooth coming in, please make an appointment.  As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we can find a specific answer for your child.

 

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!