When it comes to your child's teeth, it is essential to start practicing proper dental care as soon as the first tooth arrives. Baby teeth provide the space for permanent adult teeth to come through, and if they are not properly maintained, it can lead to various oral health problems in adulthood. Let's take a closer look at why it is important to start healthy oral habits as early as possible.
Why Baby Teeth are Important
Baby teeth play an essential role in developing and maintaining your child's oral health and should be taken care of properly. Healthy baby teeth enable the proper eruption of permanent adult teeth, eventually replacing them by age 11-14.
What Can Happen If Baby Teeth Are Not Cared For Properly
If baby teeth are not correctly cared for, it can lead to crowding and misalignment of permanent adult teeth. Crowding adult teeth can cause future oral health issues, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty eating
Additionally, poor oral health can cause cavities and tooth decay to form. While it may not seem like a big deal since they are temporary, the decay and infections can carry over to the adult teeth, resulting in an abscess. These infections can also delay or prevent adult teeth from growing at all.
Other problems associated with poor oral health at a young age include:
- Discoloration
- Malformation
- Permanent staining
Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene as a Child
Good oral hygiene helps develop healthy adult teeth and prevents bad breath and gum disease. Additionally, research has found links between poor oral hygiene and systemic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. To avoid these potential health issues later in life, it is critical to begin teaching your kids about proper oral health habits early in life.
Starting Oral Health Habits Early
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have their first visit with a dentist when their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. During this visit, the dentist will check for signs of decay or infection and discuss home care techniques that can help prevent future problems.
In addition to visiting the dentist, it is also essential for parents to help children establish regular brushing and flossing habits from an early age so that they become accustomed to these routine practices before they reach adulthood. Additionally, limiting sugary snacks and drinks during childhood reduces the risk of developing cavities or severe dental issues later in life.
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At ProHEALTH Dental, our experienced team of pediatric dentists is eager to help maintain healthy oral habits for your child. With their trained eye, they can identify potential issues and provide treatment before they develop further. Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call! (855) 750-5011