Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth.
As a parent, teething is an essential milestone in your baby’s life. As thrilling as it is, you should know how to care for their milk teeth. Not only that, but you should also understand their importance in your child’s development. Find out the role of baby teeth and the things you need to do as a parent.
What Are Milk Teeth?
Milk teeth, also called primary teeth, serve as a placeholder before the child’s permanent adult teeth erupt. There are a total of 20 milk teeth underneath a baby’s gums, and the first to erupt are those in front, followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canine teeth, and second molars.
Although not permanent, caring for baby teeth is essential. They are susceptible to cavities even at a young age. When cavities find their way to a baby’s teeth, it’s called “nursing mouth syndrome” or “baby bottle tooth decay.” This happens when their teeth are exposed to sugary drinks like formulas, sweetened drinks, and even fruit juices.
What Are the Roles of Baby Teeth?
As mentioned, your baby’s teeth have a significant role in their development:
- They help your baby speak, smile, and chew.
- They hold the space intended for their permanent teeth.
- They promote healthy chewing that exercises their facial muscles and jaw.
- They help develop their speech.
- They allow them to transition from soft to solid food.
- They play a role in their self-esteem as they grow up.
“Are baby teeth important?” you might ask. With all the reasons previously mentioned, it’s safe to say they are. If your child’s milk teeth succumb to cavities or are knocked out due to an accident, they will no longer “save” the space intended for the permanent teeth.
When this happens, the permanent teeth will likely shift out of their intended position. It is also possible for overcrowding to happen. There will also be a delay in the appearance of the affected teeth. Going to the dentist will be beneficial to your baby’s primary teeth.
What Common Mistakes Do Parents Make With Their Children’s Teeth?
Parents know that regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups are essential for optimal dental health. However, parents often make the mistake of overlooking their child’s dental health. Since milk teeth are temporary, parents think that taking good care of them is not as important as taking care of permanent teeth.
Here are some common mistakes parents make that affects their child’s overall oral hygiene:
1. Not Brushing With Your Kids
Children are not yet physically capable enough to brush their teeth properly and effectively. It’s a crucial move that you supervise or brush their teeth for them in the meantime. It’s a good teaching moment to show them the right way to brush their teeth. When you brush together, it establishes a routine and shows them how crucial oral care is.
2. Letting Them Sleep With a Bottle
Letting your baby sleep with their bottle still in their mouth is like saying cavities are welcome to breed. When you make it a habit, bacteria will thrive in their mouth, resulting in cavities and tooth decay. Don’t worry. There are things you can do to maintain your child’s oral health. After feeding time, wipe the inside of their mouth using a clean cloth or gauze. If they already have teeth, tell them to brush their teeth thirty minutes after every meal.
3. Allowing Them To Use a Pacifier
Even if a pacifier stops them from crying, it is best to wean them off of it when they reach the age of two. Using a pacifier as they grow up will have major repercussions to their teeth’s alignment. They will likely need an orthodontic intervention to fix the problem.
4. Not Scheduling Dental Appointments
Parents often make the mistake of bringing their children to the dentist only when the child is already complaining of a toothache. Dentists recommend that the parents schedule an appointment when one of their primary teeth has appeared or reached their first birthday. When you do this, your child is guaranteed to have a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums.
A dentist will examine the teeth and check for signs of cavities and tooth decay. From there, the dentist will give recommendations, such as diet changes, brushing techniques, and whether it is best to stop them from using pacifiers or baby bottles.
5. Giving Them Snacks With High Sugar Content
You might argue that what you’re giving them is healthy. However, foods like raisins, bananas, and crackers are full of sugar. These foods also find their way to the surfaces of the teeth. If your child does not brush their teeth after every meal, bacteria will breed.
It will help if you give them the snacks at the same time as their meals. Their mouths will produce more saliva, which will wash down bacteria and any food particles lodged between the teeth.
Knowing the importance of their primary teeth early on gives your child the best chance of having a perfect set of teeth.
All you have to do now is look for a dentist that will provide the dental care that your kid needs. Advanced Dental Group is affiliated with dental professionals near you.
Call us today, and we will connect you to one of them immediately. Let your children get accustomed to the importance of oral care while they’re young!
