Family Dentist Explains Why Healthy Baby Teeth Are So Important

As a busy parent, you want to focus your precious time and attention on what matters. Many parents mistakenly assume that their children’s baby teeth don’t matter because they’re going to fall out, but nothing could be further from the truth! Healthy baby teeth are crucial for your child’s smile – now and in adulthood. In honor of February being Children’s Dental Health Month, keep reading to learn more about the importance of your child’s oral health at every stage, and what you can do to improve it!

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Here are a few reasons why baby teeth are so important to the long-term oral health of your child:

• They affect the adult teeth – If the baby teeth get cavities or have to be taken out earlier than normal, the permanent teeth may not develop normally or may come in extremely crooked or crowded.
• Self-confidence – When a child is missing teeth or has other dental problems, they often feel embarrassed about smiling or laughing.
• Speech and eating – Healthy, properly aligned baby teeth help children learn how to speak clearly and allow them to eat a good diet.

How Can You Help Your Child Have a Healthy Smile?

Unfortunately, tooth decay is the most common untreated childhood disease. According to the CDC, an estimated 1 out of every 5 children aged 2-11 has at least one cavity.

Fortunately, cavities are 100% preventable. With regular care from a family dentist and some simple practices at home, you can keep your kids cavity-free:

• Use a reward system – This could be something as simple as putting a sticker on the calendar for each day that your child brushes and flosses, then giving them a small prize at the end of the week.
• Use the right tools – In addition to kid-friendly toothbrushes, flossers and toothpaste, there are some great apps that encourage good hygiene habits for kids. Anything that makes it fun is a good thing!
• Fluoride – Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel to significantly reduce cavities. Talk to your dentist about professional fluoride treatments at every checkup.
• Minimize sugars – Dried fruit, gummy bears, sodas, and juice are just a few examples of foods and beverages that contribute to cavities. Keep them to a minimum and discourage snacking between meals as much as possible.
• Ask about sealants – Sealants have been found to prevent 80% of childhood cavities. These thin, durable coatings protect your child’s back teeth, which, unfortunately, can’t always be adequately cleaned – even with good brushing habits.

Remember, when it comes to your child’s oral health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez is a family dentist and a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. He loves working on patients of all ages and knows that healthy baby teeth set the stage for great oral health throughout life. If you have any other questions about your child’s oral health, he can be reached via his website.