Your child's first
baby tooth is another milestone in the
growth of a child. Parents love to celebrate the tiny, yet momentous steps that
pave a child's healthy development.
Babies are born with their primary teeth formed underneath the gums, but they
don't start appearing until many months later, usually between six to seven months
after birth; however, there is considerable variation in the timing. By the time
children are three years old, they usually have a full set of 20
primary teeth.
Around age six, your child's jaws begin growing to make room for the
permanent teeth. The roots of the teeth anchor them in the bone.
As the permanent teeth start to push their way to the surface,
the roots of the
baby tooth dissolve completely and then the teeth fall out (exfoliate).
Eventually, the roots of each baby tooth lose their anchoring power and are nudged out.
Each baby tooth
should be replaced by a permanent tooth. The growth that occurs in the back of the jaws
creates space for the additional 12 permanent molars.
When Should Children's Dental Care Begin?
Children's dental care
should begin within just a few days after birth. Right after each feeding, wipe
your baby's gums and inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and tongue with a
clean damp washcloth or wet gauze pad to remove plaque, the sticky film
containing decay-causing bacteria.
As soon as teeth begin erupting through the gums,
continue proper
dental care by brushing them with a soft-bristled brush. Do not use toothpaste. Regularly check your baby's
teeth for any changes. If you notice any white or stained areas, see a pediatric dentist.
Around the age of three when each
baby tooth has erupted, dental care can
continue as you begin flossing
your child's teeth (if there is no space between the teeth).
Never let your child fall asleep at naptime or bedtime with a bottle of
anything other than water! Milk, fruit juice, formula, or sweetened liquids
contain sugars and can cause cavities and make
dental care
more difficult.
Each Baby tooth is important to your growing child's long-term
dental care and oral health.
Dental care is simple, yet essential, for a happy, healthy smile.
Since Each Baby Tooth Will Fall Out Anyway, Why Is It Important
To Care For Them?
The
primary teeth pave the way for your child's permanent teeth. They serve
as the foundation for a healthy mouth and gums and proper positioning of
permanent teeth.
The primary teeth help children to chew easily, speak clearly and put a great
looking smile on their faces. They also provide structure to help shape their
faces. If a baby tooth becomes broken or decayed and are left untreated, that can
affect your child's erupting permanent teeth, cause them pain and even
contribute to other health problems.
Primary teeth serve as natural space maintainers, holding the space open
until the permanent teeth are ready to take their place. If baby teeth are lost
too early, the other teeth can drift out of their position and invade the empty
space. This might cause permanent teeth to come in crooked or unable to erupt
into the gum, which leads to malocclusion.
It also can cause a permanent tooth to erupt prematurely, which isn't good
for your child's long-term dental health. Be sure to seek dental care if a
baby tooth is lost too early.
