Primary (baby) teeth are thought to be of less importance by parents because they’re going to fall out anyway. They are a child’s first set of teeth and are vital for their development. Educating parents is critical to their understanding of the importance of primary teeth to their health and wellbeing.
Las Vegas pediatric dentist can provide parents with a Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheet to explain why primary teeth are so important.
Primary Teeth Information for Parents
Primary teeth are of great importance
Young children’s teeth are crucial to their health and development in five ways. Therefore, they affect:
Keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Children’s overall health and well-being are affected by their primary teeth. Primary teeth can get infected from tooth decay. Abscessed teeth may lead to fever, pain, swelling, and, in rare cases, death. Fortunately, antibiotics can temporarily treat dental infections. However, infection will recur if tooth decay is untreated.
Good nutrition is essential.
Children need healthy foods in order to grow and be strong. Tooth Decay in primary teeth leads to a lesser likelihood of children eating crunchy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables that promote good nutrition. Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies are also risks for these children.
Developing speech.
Teeth decay can interfere with a child’s speech development. Children with missing teeth have difficulty making certain sounds, such as “th,” “la,” and others. This can cause communication problems for others. A child can need speech therapy if he or she has developed certain speech patterns because of missing teeth.
Keeping space for permanent teeth.
In the jaw, permanent teeth develop underneath the primary teeth. An X-ray picture shows permanent teeth appearing below primary teeth. Too early tooth loss blocks permanent teeth. This can lead to crowding.
Developing self-confidence.
It is common for young children to point out decayed, chipped, or discolored teeth in other children. When children have visible tooth decay, they often don’t smile, cover their mouths when they speak, or minimize interactivity with others. Children with a healthy smile have a greater chance of having positive social experiences.
Teeth decay in children is a concern.
Children with pain from tooth decay perform poorly in school and have more behavior problems than those without pain. The decay can also spread from one tooth to another. Patients with severe tooth decay may have to undergo surgery in a hospital.
Fluoride toothpaste protects Primary Teeth.
Parents should brush their children’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily as soon as the first tooth appears. By making this a habit, we can lower the number of bacteria in the mouth, prevent tooth decay, and start good oral health habits for life.
A dental visit at age 1 promotes a healthy mouth.
A child should have their first dental appointment by age 1 according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dental visits during this young age are simple and easy. Children’s dental professionals examine their mouths, identify potential problems, and explain to parents what changes to expect as they develop and grow. Additionally, parents are shown how to care for their child’s teeth by the professional and may have their child’s teeth coated with fluoride varnish.
Parenting Tips for Happy Smiles:
Considering the importance of baby teeth can motivate parents to discuss them.