Just because your child’s primary teeth, often known as “baby teeth,” eventually fall out, that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Primary teeth play an essential role in your son or daughter’s overall health, development, and well-being.
Much like your own permanent teeth, your little one’s primary teeth require professional and at-home dental care. Decay can happen at any age, so it’s time to visit us within six months of your child’s first tooth, and certainly by age one.In addition to checking for tooth decay and other pediatric dental problems, Dr. Al will show you the best ways to start your child on a lifetime of good oral health habits.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PRIMARY TEETH?
Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are three years old. Primary teeth are crucial for many reasons. They:
- Promote good nutrition through proper chewing
- Assist in speech development
- Build self-esteem by providing a beautiful smile
- Provide a path for permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to emerge
- When healthy, enable the child to pay attention and learn in school without the distraction of dental pain
WHAT HAPPENS IF BABY TEETH AREN’T TAKEN CARE OF?
Primary teeth can get cavities, just like adult teeth. In addition to the pain caused by a cavity, young children can develop dental infections.
Primary tooth decay is a serious, infectious, and transmissible disease that can spread quickly and lead to infection or abscess without proper precautions. This can be especially harmful to children in proper care is not given in a timely manner.
If a tooth becomes infected and needs to be extracted, Dr. Al may recommend inserting a space maintainer. If the space is not preserved, other teeth may drift, which can cause difficult-to-treat crowding and orthodontic problems when permanent teeth arrive.
The most important aspect of taking care of your child’s primary teeth is the example you help to set. Early on, your youngster should develop the habit of brushing and flossing that will carry into adulthood. Healthy teeth also lead to easier dental visits, which teach your son or daughter that there is nothing to be afraid of at the dentist.