“Baby teeth just aren’t that important.” FALSE, I want to scream, but I don’t. Baby teeth are very important for a growing child in many ways.
Baby teeth hold the space for all the permanent teeth that are currently growing in the child’s jaw. If a baby tooth is taken out prematurely due to decay, the teeth next to the space may start to drift into the old tooth’s position. This makes it harder for the permanent teeth to come in the correct position. Baby teeth also help with your child’s head and jaw development, and help your child to eat and speak properly.
So how do you take care of your child’s baby teeth? Starting from when you see their first tooth you should begin brushing your baby’s teeth. This helps them get used to the toothbrush at a young age as well as keeping those teeth healthy. By the age of one it is recommended that your child have their first visit with the dentist. Starting at this age the dentist and the dental hygienist can help your child become accustomed to the dental experience. Flossing is also very important for baby teeth. Once a cavity begins in a baby tooth, the decay moves quickly and can cause serious damage. Since children do not develop fine motor skills and the perception of 3-D until 9-10, parents need to help their child with brushing and flossing.
We want to help you keep your child healthy. Let’s keep them smiling by taking care of their baby teeth.