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.
In many cases, a pediatric dentist can save a severely damaged tooth with a pediatric root canal. However, there are times when the damaged tooth is beyond saving, and the dentist will need to remove it with a tooth extraction procedure. The damage may be tooth decay, cracks, or chips. If your child has a…
Pediatric root canal treatment is the standard method of addressing decay that has reached the interior chamber of a tooth, called the pulp. While such decay should be avoided at any stage of life, it is essential to address the issue in children, as their milk teeth play a critical role in the later development…
An emergency dentist for kids can provide valuable assistance to your child. It is important to prioritize regular dental appointments for checkups and cleanings. However, it is crucial not to delay a visit to the dentist if there is an urgent dental issue.Although parents typically take precautions to prevent cavities in their children, there are…
When a child needs a pediatric root canal, they and their parents may feel fear and stress. However, pediatric root canals are a routine procedure that can benefit your child's long-term oral health. Here is how you can prepare your little one for this dental procedure, ensuring they feel calm and confident going into treatment.A…
In many cases, a pediatric dentist can save a severely damaged tooth with a pediatric root canal. However, there are times when the damaged tooth is beyond saving, and the dentist will need to remove it with a tooth extraction procedure. The damage may be tooth decay, cracks, or chips. If your child has a…
Pediatric root canal treatment is the standard method of addressing decay that has reached the interior chamber of a tooth, called the pulp. While such decay should be avoided at any stage of life, it is essential to address the issue in children, as their milk teeth play a critical role in the later development…