Even though baby teeth are temporary, any pediatric dentist will tell you these teeth are essential to the health and development of your child. Baby teeth serve many purposes for young children, so proper care is important.
The first pediatric dentist appointment is recommended at age 2. Get a head start by helping your kids brush their teeth and develop good routines. Do not forget about other steps like flossing and using mouthwash. Your little ones will be ready for their visit and not even realize how long they have been preparing.
Since they are placeholders for adult teeth, baby teeth are essential in helping the mouth grow properly. They stretch out gums and jaws at a natural pace and make room for adult teeth. According to the American Dental Association’s online magazine Mouth Healthy, adult teeth can crowd the space left by a baby tooth that was lost early. This can result in crooked teeth when all adult teeth emerge.
Children need all the positive reinforcement that they can get when they are learning good habits, especially when it comes to taking care of themselves. Showing children proper tooth brushing methods early on will help prepare them for a lifetime of good oral hygiene. It can be helpful to read themed books and do activities to get kids excited.
Just like adult teeth, baby teeth can get dirty and can even get cavities. Avoid paying for fillings by showing young ones how to brush away plaque and buildup. Regular care of baby teeth keeps them looking healthy, fresh and clean. Check with the pediatric dentist about age-appropriate toothbrushes and products.
Children who do not brush their teeth or do not see a pediatric dentist run a higher risk of contracting oral diseases. These can be painful and sometimes infectious, spreading to other parts of the mouth and jaw. Minor dental issues can turn into serious, expensive medical emergencies when left untreated. Keeping your child’s teeth clean can prevent infectious diseases.
Crooked teeth can cause speech impediments. As baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth, speech habits must adapt. Be sure that the adaptations are the correct ones. Proper speech development is encouraged as adult and baby teeth grow in alignment.
Improper chewing can make for an unhappy digestive tract. Kids who have a mouthful of crooked or unhealthy teeth may have a more difficult time grinding food into small, easy-to-digest pieces. Keeping teeth intact and healthy is a way to encourage children to have good eating habits. Using their teeth as a teaching tool, explain the connection between proper chewing and a happy stomach.
While baby teeth will eventually fall out, they play a key role in the development of your child. It does not matter that they are not permanent. Caring for these teeth helps with proper chewing, speaking and forming good hygiene habits. On top of at-home care, be sure to bring your child to a pediatric dentist. Call our office to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here…
An emergency pediatric dentist can resolve your child’s smile issues. Pain is the most significant sign your child needs emergency dental care. A quick response is important to give your child relief. Here are the quick treatments from your emergency pediatric dentist to restore your child’s smile.A chewing incident or a bad fall can cause…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many parents focus on teaching their children to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, they often neglect the tongue. In reality, keeping the tongue clean is vital because it is an integral part of your child's…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…