One of the most common mistakes a pediatric dentist sees is parents who do not understand the importance of their child’s baby teeth. Although they are not permanent, the health of baby teeth can affect the way permanent teeth grow in. Inevitably, they affect the health of the permanent teeth.
By understanding the importance of baby teeth, parents can then take the necessary action to ensure their child is able to practice good oral care on a consistent basis. The following are four of the more frequently asked questions pediatric dentists receive about baby teeth.
Baby teeth, otherwise referred to as primary teeth, - are incredibly important to a child’s development. Baby teeth help children eat more effectively and can help them learn to speak without an impediment. Without healthy baby teeth, children may find it more difficult to speak or eat. This is essential for their development.
Perhaps more importantly than the short-term role baby teeth play, they also serve as placeholders until the permanent teeth are ready. If the baby teeth fall out early, then it can cause the permanent teeth to come through crooked and cause a malocclusion.
Another frequently asked question pediatric dentists receive is whether or not thumb sucking affects baby teeth in a negative manner. It is important to know that thumb sucking is normal and natural for children under the age of four. It should not be entirely discouraged.
However, children over the age of four should be urged to quit thumb sucking. This is because it can affect the way permanent teeth come through. When thumbsucking goes on too long past the age of four, it can cause permanent teeth to come through crooked and lead to an underbite or overbite.
The best way to care for your child’s baby teeth is to ensure your child is following a consistent oral care routine. This should include brushing several times a day, flossing and using mouthwash.
A child’s diet can also play a role in their oral health. It is important to have them limit intake of foods and drinks that are harmful to teeth, such as foods high in sugar or other carbohydrates. Additionally, be sure to check your child for cavities and other oral health concerns. Visit the pediatric dentist if any complications develop.
It is important for parents not to wait until an oral health concern develops to take their child to see the pediatric dentist. They should ensure their child makes it to all routine dental visits even if their baby teeth are completely healthy. In general, it is encouraged for parents to take their child to see the pediatric dentist every four to six months. Although the needs of each child may be different and less frequent or more frequent visits may be recommended.
A pediatric dentist is often the best dentist to deal with a child's baby teeth. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque from teeth. However, the toothbrush kids use can impact how effective this practice is. To optimize toothbrushing, parents need to find a brush that fits their child's needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there.A pediatric dentist can help parents…
Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it a necessary part of keeping their teeth healthy? While mouthwash is not typically included in the oral hygiene basics recommended by pediatric dentists, it can still offer several benefits when used correctly.One of the…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…