Baby teeth are essential to proper oral development, and they can also provide parents with cues as to whether their child’s overall health is good or not so good. Although baby teeth will fall out at some point in time, it’s important that they stay put until they naturally shed, so here are ten things parents should know about baby teeth before they fall out of their child’s mouth.
1) Cavities can form in baby teeth
Cavities can form in baby teeth, even though they’re not visible to parents. This is because baby teeth are coated with a thin layer of enamel that protects them from acids that cause cavities. Eventually, most babies will have at least one cavity in their primary teeth. One way to keep your child’s tooth cavity-free is by starting oral care early—with a toothbrush made for infants.
2) Baby teeth are important
They help shape our smiles, enable us to chew and speak properly and make it easier for us to eat nutritious foods. With those benefits in mind, here are 10 things every parent should know about baby teeth. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, call or visit your dentist to schedule an appointment.
3) How to treat baby cavities
The first step in preventing baby cavities is to make sure your child is brushing her teeth correctly and frequently. Be sure she’s using a non-fluoride toothpaste, such as Colgate® or Crest®, because it will allow her gums to get used to brushing without having sensitive teeth. Flossing is important, too; don’t wait until your child’s grown up and has a mouth full of fillings before you teach her how to floss. The sooner you begin flossing with your child (or children), the more likely he or she will continue doing so as an adult.
4) How to prevent baby cavities
All children are at risk for tooth decay, regardless of their parents’ income or education. By brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and visiting a dentist once a year, you can help protect your little one from painful baby cavities. Here are 10 tips to get you started
5) Baby teeth affect permanent teeth
Baby teeth are used to prepare for permanent teeth—they fall out and new adult teeth take their place. When baby teeth don’t come in correctly, however, it can affect how permanent teeth come in.
6) Brush your child’s teeth twice a day
What many parents don’t realize is that baby teeth play a critical role in helping to guide our permanent teeth into place. Without proper care, baby teeth can become misaligned and even fall out early. During childhood and adolescence, it’s important to take proper care of your child’s teeth so they can last as long as possible.
7) Tell your child it’s time to brush their teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but what you say before and after can make a big difference in your child’s attitude toward brushing. It’s vital to approach tooth-brushing as an enjoyable routine for your little one instead of something that has to be done. And remember, it doesn’t really matter how you do it—what matters is that you find a way to get kids excited about good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tips to help
8) Take your child to the dentist regularly
Children’s teeth can begin to appear as early as six months, but it’s important to take your child to a dentist even if they don’t have any teeth. This gives you an opportunity to establish a positive dental-visit experience while also catching potential issues before they become serious problems. Regular visits are important for all of your children, too—and you might be surprised at how early some dental issues show up in kids.
9) Where baby teeth go when they fall out?
Baby teeth are important for more than just chewing food. They also help young children speak clearly, avoid malocclusion (bad bite) and tooth decay, and allow room for adult teeth to come in correctly. Because baby teeth are crucial to our health as children, it’s important that parents know where their child’s baby teeth go after they fall out. Today we’re going to talk about 10 things you should know about baby teeth in general!
10) Tooth decay on baby teeth spreads to adult teeth
If your baby has tooth decay on one or more baby teeth, it’s not a coincidence. Tooth decay can start as early as birth, and even if you’re vigilant about brushing and flossing her adult teeth, it could still be a problem. That’s because tooth decay on baby teeth can spread to adult teeth. Flossing is especially important in babies: While fluoride treatments are strong enough to help prevent tooth decay in adults, they aren’t usually prescribed for babies.
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