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What Is the Importance of Baby Teeth?
We all know how important it is to take care of our teeth because they are used in everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and smiling. But, given that infant teeth would fall out regardless, do parents really need to spend as much time caring for them? Taking care of infant teeth, though it may appear to be a pointless quest, is critical. They keep space for adult teeth and stimulate bone growth in the jaw and face before they fall out. As a result, baby teeth require just as much care as adult teeth! Learn more about our fantastic Alpharetta pediatric dentist in the video below!
What causes infant teeth to erupt?
You may be curious as to when your child’s teeth may erupt now that you’re aware of their importance. Because every infant is distinct, the timing differs as well. Most babies are born with 20 teeth, which begin to show at the age of 6 months to one year. Here’s what to anticipate:
6–8 months old: Lower incisors (central incisors)
Upper central incisors (8–12 months)
Upper lateral incisors, 10–14 months
Between the ages of ten and sixteen months, lateral incisors on the lower jaw
Between the ages of 14 and 19, a child is considered to be a toddler. Molars, both upper and below
Between the ages of 16 and 24, a child is considered to be a toddler. Canines (upper and lower)
Between the ages of 25 and 33 months, Upper molars in their last stages
It’s a good idea to take your child to the pediatric dentist after the first few teeth appear. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that your kid see a dentist by the age of one or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. The pediatric dentist can advise you on how to best care for your child’s newly acquired teeth. You can expect a dental exam, dietary counseling, and dental care advice as well as a review of your family’s oral health history.
Parents will learn about excellent dental habits for their babies and how to brush their teeth at the pediatric dentist’s clinic. Even if your baby’s teeth are just gums at this point, cleaning the mouth with a soft, baby-sized brush and toothpaste is still vital. As their teeth develop and their needs alter, the pediatric dentist will teach you what works for babies and what to avoid.
Should there be gaps between newborn teeth?
Many parents are concerned that their child’s teeth are developing gaps. If the gaps are tiny and evenly spaced, it may be advantageous for adult teeth to grow in later! The gaps will provide extra space for your child’s adult teeth to grow in, preventing them from overlapping or crowding.
Parents may be concerned about gaps that are excessively large or unequal. If these gaps make it difficult to eat or clean your teeth, it could lead to more serious issues including nutritional shortage or tooth disease. Teeth that are spaced irregularly may alter how permanent teeth come in, causing them to overlap or crowd. Take your child to an early orthodontic screening at the age of seven to avoid these issues. At this point, all of the teeth should have grown in, and the orthodontist can determine if any preventative measures are necessary to ensure that the permanent teeth develop properly.
Is it true that infant teeth are more prone to cavities?
Cavities are not more likely in baby teeth. They have pulp, dentin, and enamel, exactly like adult teeth. Bad habits, such as drinking bottles before night or eating too many sweets, may cause children to develop more cavities. Tooth decay is the most common ailment in children, despite the fact that it is readily preventable.
Establish a dental hygiene routine for your child early on to keep them cavity-free. When bacteria and sugar come into contact with infant teeth, a sticky substance called plaque forms, which can cause harm to the teeth by releasing toxic acids. Brush twice a day, or after each meal, and floss every night to keep your teeth healthy. Dentists also advise drinking enough water and eating calcium-rich meals to wash away food waste. With your pediatric dentist’s approval, you can start giving your child fluoride items after they reach a particular age.
When do your child's baby teeth fall out?
Baby teeth begin to fall out as early as the age of six and continue until the age of twelve or thirteen at the earliest. Teeth normally come out in the same pattern as when they were first inserted. Because a tooth is loose when it gets “wobbly,” your child may have difficulty eating or speaking normally. Gargling salt water and avoiding eating where the tooth is loose will make your youngster feel better. Consider contacting your pediatric dentist to get the baby tooth removed if you detect the permanent tooth growing in before the baby tooth is lost.
If your child’s tooth is knocked out early, make an appointment with the dentist right away! The tooth may be reattached by the dentist. Early tooth loss might cause problems with adult tooth development and spacing. Try to protect your child’s teeth as much as possible with mouthguards and safety gear while they play sports to avoid dental problems like these. Of course, some accidents are unavoidable, but it never hurts to take extra precautions when you can!
What should I do about my child's main teeth?
Cavities, fractured teeth, and gum disease are not only inconvenient and painful, but they are also detrimental to your child’s general health. You must teach your child how to properly care for his or her teeth. You may be able to brush for them early on, but you won’t be able to do so indefinitely! Children must learn to take care of their teeth on their own. Here are some pointers:
Be a good role model: Children learn how to speak and act at a young age by watching their parents or guardians. The best approach to instill healthy oral practices in your children is to practice them yourself. They’re considerably more inclined to follow your actions than your words. Make time every day to brush and floss with them, and encourage them to consume tooth-friendly foods with you.
Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are recommended: Before dental problems become serious, the pediatric dentist will be able to recognize, treat, and prevent them. Most individuals should visit the dentist every six months or twice a year, however, this can vary depending on the situation. Make regular dental appointments for your child so that they can keep their teeth healthy with a complete dental exam and routine cleaning.
Get rid of undesirable behaviors as soon as possible: Sucking on pacifiers, drinking from bottles before night, and failing to brush are just a few of the harmful behaviors that should be broken early on. These seemingly harmless activities can contribute to tooth misalignment, cavities, and gum disease over time. Allowing them to manifest is a bad idea!
Please contact us for a dental checkup and exam for your children, or if your child has a toothache. Find a pediatric dentist near you today! We want to help your family maintain healthy, attractive smiles throughout the year!
