5 things parents should know about baby teeth
Did you know that baby teeth are actually very important? Some people believe that they aren’t really important and don’t really need to be treated or checked. This is actually a myth. In this blog post, I’d like to explain the top 5 things parents should know about baby teeth.
- They are important! Yes, baby teeth do eventually fall out and make way for adult teeth, but whilst they are still present they have several important roles. Firstly, they hold space for the developing adult teeth to grow. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, there may not be space for the adult teeth to grow into the mouth. This could result in the need for expensive orthodontic treatment. The other reason they are important is because babies and children need these teeth to eat, speak and smile! The last baby tooth generally falls out around the age of 13, so these teeth have a function for quite some time!
- Good hygiene habits with baby teeth will help to carry on good habits with adult teeth too. Starting dental hygiene habits of cleaning twice daily and flossing will help the developing adult teeth to be as healthy as possible also.
- Sometimes adult teeth can be missing. If you notice a baby tooth has not fallen out for quite some time, an x-ray may be needed to check if the adult tooth is in fact present. 1.6%-6.9% of the population have missing teeth, and can also be genetically linked.
- If a baby tooth is knocked out, it can’t be put back in.
- If you feed your baby in the night (whether infant formula or breastfeeding), your child may be at risk of tooth decay because the milk is in constant contact with the teeth. This is commonly called ‘nursing caries’. Lift your baby’s lip up and check the teeth for any dark spots. If you aren’t sure, schedule an appointment for your baby with a qualified dental professional. You can also wipe your baby’s teeth with a wet cloth after feeding to prevent tooth decay affecting their teeth.
Do you have questions about your child’s teeth? Call our friendly team on 61435 655 or book online here. The best time to bring your child in for their first dental visit is when their first tooth has come through.
