When Can a Child Get a Tooth Extraction? How To Keep a Child's Teeth Healthy

Tooth Extraction Tooth brushing tooth decay "Bottle Mouth" "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay"

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Sep 13, 11:31 pm

Many parents have a hard time judging how much dental care their children need. They want to know how to prevent cavities and prevent their child from experiencing toothaches as much as possible.

According to Bloom Dentistry, baby teeth should be well taken care of as they will play a vital role in emerging adult teeth. Parents must ensure that the gums are healthy so adult teeth can emerge through the gum line and take their intended places without being obstructed. Suppose dentists suggest having one or more of their teeth extracted. In that case, this means that it helps children's teeth to grow not only on healthy gums but also prevents one from causing any infections due to the cavity, especially if the case is severe.

The first dental visit should be around 12 months of age or within six months of the first tooth coming out. This usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the age, as it may include a complete exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check both growth and development.

Apparently, there is no exact age to extract a child's tooth, but the reason for the removal is if the tooth is seriously damaged; for example, the tooth may be cracked, loosed, or impacted. If the baby's tooth is already decayed, that's the only time for the tooth to be extracted.

Taking care of children's teeth to prevent any decay

Children usually lose their first set of teeth or primary teeth, often called "baby teeth," around elementary school age. The tooth won't loosen and come out naturally until the permanent tooth below pushes through the gum.

To prevent infection and decay, avoid eating sweetened foods, particularly candies, as they will surely damage teeth. Also, regular toothbrushing helps remove bacteria and plaque that usually cause tooth decay and gum disease. Thus, parents must ensure that kids brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed at night. Dentists suggest introducing toothbrushing early so kids would know it as a part of their daily routine.

Refusal to brush the teeth for several consecutive days can lead to the onset of gum disease. Brushing teeth thoroughly would ensure their cleanliness to avoid the building of plaque.

Kids Health suggests that children should immediately learn to spit while brushing around age two. Avoid giving your child as much water as possible, as they're more likely to swish and swallow the toothpaste.

Parents must discuss the health of children's teeth

Bloom Dentistry recommends parents interact and participate in discussions concerning children's teeth. They should not hesitate to ask some questions so the dentist can advise them on how to provide support for the child's specific needs.

Many children sustain tooth decay at a young age, which could be due to parents putting a baby to sleep with a bottle in their mouth, which harms the baby's teeth. Sugars from juice, formula, or milk stay on a baby's teeth for hours and can eat away the enamel, the layer of the tooth that protects against tooth decay. This is usually called the "bottle mouth" or "baby bottle tooth decay." Front teeth can get discolored, pocked, and pitted if this happens, and eventually, cavities might form. If severe, the teeth might need to be removed.

Pediatric dentists will only suggest tooth extraction if other treatment options don't work. Many dentists do not recommend extraction as it can cause problems with a child's speech, chewing, and development, per Walker Pediatric Dentistry. Therefore, as much as possible, parents must ensure that their children's teeth are healthy to prevent complications.