While some parents may choose to hold onto their child’s first tooth as a memento, a kids dentist may suggest plenty of other good reasons to keep baby teeth. As medical and dental knowledge continues to expand, baby teeth often hold important information about the child's health.
Some parents may feel confusion about treating and preserving baby teeth. Although they are not permanent, these teeth play a vital part in the child's future dental health. Here are some common questions parents often ask:
A child’s baby teeth typically begin falling out between the ages of five and eight. This process usually continues until the child reaches the age of 12, and permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth.
Trauma or certain medical conditions could also be the cause of tooth loss during early childhood. Whether the loss is due to natural growth or unusual circumstances, many dentists now recommend saving these teeth.
Important genetic material known as dental pulp is stored in the soft chamber in the middle of the tooth. This material may be helpful as science and medicine advance and could be used to treat certain diseases or grow replacement teeth, bone matter and other tissues.
Parents should note that baby teeth cannot simply be stored at home for these medical purposes. A cryogenic storage facility that specializes in preserving organic materials for medical use should be utilized. Parents interested in preserving their child’s baby teeth for future research and testing should discuss options with their child’s pediatric dentist. In some cases, it is best to preserve only specific teeth and to have them professionally extracted to keep vital components intact.
If an unforeseen impact or collision results in the loss of a baby tooth, it is important to bring the child to a kids dentist for evaluation along with the lost tooth. In this situation, it is critical to see a dentist within an hour of the injury and to preserve the tooth by keeping it clean and moist, either in the mouth or in a cup of milk. If a baby tooth comes loose because of infection or decay, the child should be seen for treatment to prevent the condition from spreading or worsening.
While the loss of baby teeth is often a milestone celebrated by children and their parents, it is likely that a kids dentist will recommend saving them for more than merely sentimental reasons. With the continuing advancements in stem cell research, preserving baby teeth may help progress the treatment of certain diseases and could even contribute to finding new cures. In the event of tooth loss due to injury or infection, it is imperative to bring the tooth to a pediatric dentist’s office for evaluation along with the affected child. Always consult a professional if there are any concerns surrounding the loss of a baby tooth and whether or not it should be preserved.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A kids dentist, formally known as a pediatric dentist, helps set the foundation for kids oral health. While they are a pillar in setting the trajectory of a young patient's relationship with their oral hygiene and dental visits, they primarily focus on preserving the integrity of the teeth and surrounding structures. Through various methods, a…
Wondering what the benefits are of seeing a kids dentist? Read on to learn more. A lot of kids get nervous and scared when they have to go to the dentist. By implementing the right system, parents and kids dentists can assist children in conquering their dental anxiety and establishing positive connections with dental hygiene.…
Taking your child to a kids dentist for the first time is a big milestone. It is natural to have questions and concerns about what will happen and how your little one will react. Knowing what to expect during this initial appointment can help ease your worries before going into the dental office.Before parents head…
Learning that your child needs a baby root canal can be worrying for parents. This dental treatment preserves primary teeth, which are critical for long-term oral development. Although the appointment itself is straightforward, home care determines how effectively the tooth stabilizes. Preparing in advance can help you confidently support your little one’s recovery, ensuring the…
A kids dentist, formally known as a pediatric dentist, helps set the foundation for kids oral health. While they are a pillar in setting the trajectory of a young patient's relationship with their oral hygiene and dental visits, they primarily focus on preserving the integrity of the teeth and surrounding structures. Through various methods, a…
Wondering what the benefits are of seeing a kids dentist? Read on to learn more. A lot of kids get nervous and scared when they have to go to the dentist. By implementing the right system, parents and kids dentists can assist children in conquering their dental anxiety and establishing positive connections with dental hygiene.…