Why Is It Important to Look After Your Child’s Baby Teeth

1. Why Is It Important to Look After Your Child’s Baby Teeth? Every parent wants the best for his or her child and wants him or her to grow healthy and strong, including having healthy teeth. However, there is a general belief among parents that baby teeth need not be taken care of as they will fall off eventually and be replaced by a permanent set of teeth. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it is very important to take care of the child’s baby or milk teeth just like the permanent ones. It's important to start practising proper dental care as soon as your child's first baby tooth emerges to ensure his or her oral health.

2. Most babies get their first teeth when they are between 6 and 12 months old, and by the time they are 3 years old, they usually have all their baby teeth out. In case the child’s baby teeth are not taken care of, the child could suffer from terrible pain, forcing you to run to an emergency dental clinic. For instance, the emergency dental clinic in Northcote can come in handy for people living in Northcote to take their child to and let the experienced paediatric dentist look into the problem and suggest remedy. Remember, baby teeth play a vital role in developing and maintaining your child's oral health, and if they are not properly cared for, there could be various oral health problems in adulthood. It is therefore important that parents take their babies to a paediatric dental clinic. For instance, if you are a resident of Northcote in Western Australia, you could take your child to a child dental clinic in Northcote for proper diagnosis and treatment. Why Is It Important to Take Care of a Child’s Baby Teeth? There are several reasons why taking care of a child’s baby teeth is so important: Speech Development: The presence of baby teeth is important for a child's ability to create sounds. Typically, children use their teeth and tongue to form sounds. And should he or she have missing or decayed baby teeth, the development of speech may be hampered. So, it's better to take your child to a dentist, say a Northcote dentist, and let the latter diagnose any underlying issue hampering speech. Proper nutrition: Baby teeth allow children to chew their food properly, which helps in better assimilation and absorption of food, leading them to get proper nutrition. On the other hand, if they have decayed or missing teeth, they may avoid eating certain types of food, thereby missing key nutritional elements. Dental issues: Healthy baby teeth allow proper eruption of permanent adult teeth, which should be replaced by the age of 11 to 14 years. However, if baby teeth are not appropriately maintained, it could lead to misalignment and crowding of permanent teeth. This can cause a host of dental and other issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty speaking and eating. Poor oral health:If the child’s baby teeth are not maintained routinely, they can form cavities, leading to decay. The same can then carry over to the adult teeth, causing abscesses. Other problems associated with poor oral health in babies include discoloration, malformation, and permanent staining. So, if you happen to be a resident of Northcote, do not hesitate to take your child to a dental clinic, say, the best dental clinic in Northcote for remedy. Prevent serious illnesses: Establishing good oral hygiene practices from a young age helps children develop healthy adult teeth and prevents bad breath and gum disease. Moreover, research suggests that poor oral hygiene can lead to illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, making it even more critical to start teaching your children about keeping proper oral health habits from early in life. Create space for permanent teeth: Baby teeth typically act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If they are lost early due to reasons such as injury or decay, there won’t be enough space for the permanent teeth to form. Such issues of crowding or

3. misalignment can require costly treatment later. Therefore, visit a dental clinic, say a child dental clinic in Northcote, to allow the dentist to look into the missing or decayed baby teeth and get them treated. How to Take Care of Your Child’s Baby Teeth? The tips to take care of your child’s baby teeth are as follows: · Begin cleaning the baby teeth as soon as they appear using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small blob of fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice a day, and more importantly, before bedtime. · Stop or limit the amount of sugary drinks or snacks you give your child. The sugar can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cause decay. · Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle, as it could lead to prolonged exposure to sugary liquids, such as milk or juice, causing tooth decay. · Schedule periodic dental check-ups as they can help detect any issues early. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that parents take their children to the dentist when their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. The dentist checks for signs of decay or infection and discusses home care techniques that can help prevent future problems. Conclusion In addition to visiting the dentist, it's vital for parents to inculcate in their children good oral habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, from an early age. Reducing sugary snacks and drinks during childhood also reduces the risk of developing caries or severe dental issues later in life. At Northcote Family Dental, our experienced team of dentists can identify any potential or lingering dental issues and provide treatment before they develop further. Schedule an appointment by giving us a call at (03) 9481 5747 to help maintain healthy oral habits for your child. Source: https://northcotefamilydental.blogspot.com/2023/04/why-is-it- important-to-look-after-your.html Thank You