Baby, What a Smile!
Many parents may not realize how important "baby" teeth really are, not only for esthetics, but also for function and to hold places for the child's permanent teeth.
After all, they reason, "baby" teeth are going to fall out eventually. It's just a matter of time.
Baby teeth or "deciduous" teeth, start erupting at about six months of age. They will remain until the age of eleven or twelve. During that time, it is crucial to do everything you can to protect your child against the loss of any teeth. If a "baby" tooth is lost, the later adult tooth will lack aguide needed to position itself properly.
You can do a lot to reduce the possibility of tooth decay with an oral hygiene program that includes daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and gentle flossing.
Fluoride is one of the best tools in the fight against tooth decay because it strengthens the teeth. Use only "pea" sized amounts of toothpaste and insure that your child does not swallow it while brushing, as excessive absorption of fluoride can cause discoloration of your child's tooth enamel.
If you are having difficulty getting your preschool child to brush their teeth regularly, have them "practice", then you can complete the brushing for them until they get their "grown-up" teeth. You can say "we have baby teeth for practice, so we will be experts when our grown-up teeth arrive." "Then, we have to take extra special care of our grown-up teeth so they will last forever." This kind of encouragement is usually very effective.
The ideal time for most children to start actual dental treatment is usually around age three. Their first visit will be at least an exam. The dentist should vary the amount of treatment performed based on the child's personality and abilities. When children see that nothing unpleasant happens, they are eager to come back again.
With proper care, your children can grow up to be healthy, wonderfully well adjusted, dental patients, having and maintaining teeth that would make any parent proud.
April 19, 2010Dental News1
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Posted on May 26, 2010LR
