Ask a Children’s Dentist Why Primary Teeth Are Important
Our children's dentist wants you to know that baby teeth being temporary does not make them less important. They play an important role in many aspects of your child's development, like their speech. This article will go over some of the reasons why children's dentists says baby teeth are essential.
Our children's dentist goes over the vital role of primary teeth
Let us take a close look at some of the essential functions of baby teeth:
1. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth
The American Association of Orthodontists says that baby teeth, or primary teeth, are essential for several reasons. One of the most important is holding space in the jaw for the permanent teeth growing behind them. If a kid loses a baby tooth too early, there is a risk that the permanent tooth might not have sufficient room to come in or come in crooked.
2. Baby teeth aid in proper chewing and eating
Children need teeth to bite and chew their food correctly. This helps them eat various foods, which is vital for proper nutrition.
3. Baby teeth help with speech development
The position of the teeth plays a vital role in how we produce certain sounds when we speak. When baby teeth are missing or not positioned correctly, it can affect a child's speech development.
4. Baby teeth help children feel good about themselves
A healthy smile is essential for a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. If a child does not like how their teeth look, they may be embarrassed to smile or laugh, which can impact their social and emotional development.
5. Baby teeth are necessary for a child's overall health
Oral health is essential for overall health. Research has shown a link between oral and general health and that poor oral health can lead to other complications such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Taking care of primary teeth
Some of the ways parents can help to keep their children's baby teeth healthy include:
- Encouraging them to brush their teeth twice a day: Brushing teeth twice a day protects them against tooth decay and gum disease
- Taking them to the dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings: Teeth cleanings protect teeth against decay, and regular check-ups allow dentists to detect issues in their early stages
- Teaching them to eat a balanced diet: Baby teeth falling out prematurely limits a child's ability to chew properly
- Helping them to avoid sugary drinks and snacks: Bacteria in the mouth feast on sugars to create acids that damage teeth
- Encouraging them to floss daily: Flossing helps to keep interdental spaces clean
Baby teeth deserve the same level of care permanent teeth get
As you can see, baby teeth are essential for your child's development in many ways. That is why it is so crucial to take care of them! Give us a call or stop by our Richmond clinic to set up an appointment with our pediatric dentist if you have any questions about how to best care for your child's teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 222-8687 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Parents often want to know how long to wait before feeding their children following fluoride treatment. This procedure is usually done to remineralize the teeth and strengthen them against cavities or decay. The time before patients can eat or drink may depend on the fluoride varnish used. When it comes down to food choices, the…
Pediatric dentistry is an important part of a child's health and wellness routine. According to the American Dental Association, a child should see the dentist at least twice per year. Typically, a child's dental appointment lasts for about 45 minutes.During a child's pediatric dentistry visit, the dentist will provide a full dental exam that includes…
Children and teenagers are more likely to suffer a traumatic dental injury than other age groups usually following a fall, sports injury, or vehicle accident. Pediatric dentistry treatment should be sought following a young person's injury to the mouth or teeth to minimize damage and prevent permanent issues.Pediatric dentists approach injuries to children's teeth and…
Daily brushing and flossing are recommended by pediatric dentistry professionals to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Brushing twice a day with a parent is important in the early years, and training your child properly can help them brush independently as they grow. However, which toothpaste they use matters a great deal and can have…