Healthy primary teeth serve many purposes in children’s development, so much so that if they develop cavities, it can cause pain and other medical issues for a child. Take note that healthy baby teeth allow a child to chew his or her food well, which means better nutrition absorption. With a good set of primary teeth, children also learn to smile with confidence and speak clearly.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, children should visit a dentist before they turn a year old. It’s usually best to see a dentist when the first tooth appears, which may happen in about six months. One of the main reasons baby teeth become damaged is because the child falls asleep while sucking on a bottle of juice or milk, which can cause tooth decay. Dental damage occur because acid is formed by the bacteria left on the teeth from the sugars in the beverages. Basically, the acid produced damages teeth enamel.
Dentists in Greenville, SC who also offer pediatric dental treatments are always willing to teach parents how to brush baby teeth or clean their little one’s gums with gauze or a soft, wet cloth. There are toothbrushes especially designed for infants. When the child has most of his or her teeth, however, the dentist will explain the best way to floss and brush to maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well as answer questions about thumb-sucking and pacifier habits.
The dentist will also explain the importance of learning to drink from a cup when the child is nearing one year old. Mothers may also be encouraged to stop on-demand breastfeeding once the first teeth erupt. Even when a child is one or two years old, the dentist can remove plaque and food debris that can be a base for bacteria to grow.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of the children who attend kindergarten in the U.S. have preventable tooth decay. When baby teeth have decay that is not treated early on, it won’t only cause severe pain, but may eventually damage the adult teeth deep in the gums.
Pediatric dentists in Greenville, SC and nearby areas can also help parents understand how to make a visit to the dentist a fun adventure with a tooth-friendly reward. Primary teeth need regular dental care to pave the way for the developmental stages required for future dental health. Indeed, parents can learn to care their children’s teeth from a pediatric dentist.
Sources:
FAQs, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
The Importance of Pediatric Dental Care, Colgate.com
