Parents should understand what to expect in their child’s development, and this includes the way the teeth and mouth grow. This knowledge will allow you to provide your little one with the dental care they need, both from a pediatric dentist and at home. Here, you can learn some basic information about the process that all parents should know.

The Basics of Tooth Anatomy & Development

What Teeth Consist Of

All teeth are made of four parts: the root, pulp, dentin and enamel. The root secures the tooth into the jaw and is located underneath the gums. The pulp is a soft section in the middle of the tooth that houses nerves and creates dentin. The surrounding, slightly harder dentin makes up most of the tooth and fills the space between the pulp and the enamel. The enamel is the part of the tooth you see; it’s the hardest material in the body, as it must protect the root, pulp, and dentin.

How Teeth Develop

Teeth begin developing when children are still a fetus. The first baby tooth should pop through the gums when a child is between 6 to 12 months old. They should be taken for their first appointment with a pediatric dentist by their first birthday. Girls tend to get their teeth earlier than boys, but most children have a full set by the time they are 3 years old. Since they’re smaller than an adult’s, gaps are normal. These spaces also ensure there will be room for the larger teeth to come in. Children lose all their baby teeth as the permanent ones come in between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.

To continue healthy tooth development, children should see a pediatric dentist regularly. The team at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry works with little ones every day and will help your kid adopt the best oral hygiene habits. They know some children struggle with anxiety about dental care, so they’ve created a welcoming environment to ensure a comfortable experience. If it’s time for a teeth cleaning, call the staff at (608) 782-4054 or visit them online to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.