Why baby teeth matter so much ?
March 9, 2020 8:02 amBaby teeth or milk teeth might not sound like a big deal. In at a year old, then lost again a few years later, many people view them as temporary. While that’s not entirely wrong, it’s important not to neglect baby teeth along the way. They have all kinds of implication for dental health – not just right now, but when your child is older too.
- When do baby teeth come through?
Believe it or now, baby teeth are already there at birth – you just can’t see them. Hidden in the gums, the front teeth at the bottom generally show first, around the age of six months to one year old. Development generally works its way from the front to the back, with a full pearly smile on display by three years of age. However, don’t worry if the teeth don’t show on time – there’s no set schedule!
- Why do baby teeth matter?
Baby teeth help adult teeth develop and emerge through in just the right way. If baby teeth fall out early, then adult teeth can become misaligned when they grow – leading to orthodontic treatment such as braces becoming necessary later on. Without them, your baby might also have problems speaking or chewing. And, there’s the obvious problem of the pain and discomfort associated with neglect, like tooth decay, gum disease or infection.
- Other reasons
Teeth are also important for children’s confidence. Without baby teeth, your child may be reluctant to smile. And, getting into a routine will also help build good habits for when your baby is grown up and has to look after his or her own teeth.
- Dealing with teething
The first step is getting over teething. This can be a testing time for baby and parents alike! Teething gums are likely to be sore and uncomfortable. To soothe baby, you can rub gums with a clean finger, or get a teething ring.Cold works well too – try a washcloth or teething ring chilled in the fridge(but not the freezer). If they are in pain, you should see your doctor for help.
- Visiting the dentist
Make an appointment to see a dentist when the first tooth shows through – and no later than one year of age. Drs. Nicolas & Asp have a range of specialist pediatric dentists who can help advise on proper teeth cleaning and any bad habits like thumb sucking. If you’re worried about tantrums, then don’t – you are in good hands. Our dentists have seen it all!
- Caring for baby teeth
Make sure you brush baby teeth just like you would the adult versions – twice a day, with toothbrush and paste. Make sure it’s a very small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice)to begin. Once they’re older, at around three years, it can progress to a pea-sized amount – your dentist will best be able to advise you. Use a child-sized toothbrush too otherwise you may struggle to clean all teeth thoroughly.When getting started with brushing, you may find it easier to use a small piece of muslin or gauze along with the toothpaste. Supervise brushing until children are older.
- Supplements
Fluoride is important but don’t rush to take a supplement – it’s best to make any decisions with the expert advice of a dentist, as overdosing on fluoride can damage teeth. Adult toothpaste contains too much fluoride, so when starting out you should use a special type suitable for babies, that has a lower fluoride count.
- What else to do
Avoid sugar! Sugar is bad for teeth because it reacts with bacteria in the mouth to form acid and damage teeth. You might think your child doesn’t consume sugar, but it’s important to be really careful around juice or milk. Keep both of these for mealtimes only, and outside of that, only give kids water to drink. Being wary of sugar intake is one of the best things you can do for your kids’ dental health.
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