Occasionally parents mistakenly think that ignoring baby teeth is no big deal, as they will all fall out eventually anyway. But taking proper care of baby teeth not only lays the groundwork for good habits in future, but also protects permanent, adult teeth that lie beneath the gumline.
Here, orthodontist Derek M. Busciglio. D.M.D., who runs his family’s business, Busciglio Orthodontics, an orthodontic and Invisalign provider serving the Brandon, Florida, and Plant City, Florida areas, talks about why it’s important to ensure that baby teeth stay in good shape.
Helping children develop good oral health habits at an early age is critical to giving them a lifetime of healthy smiles. Because most young children do not have the manual dexterity needed to properly brush their teeth, experts recommend that children brush their own teeth and that parents brush their teeth with them again to ensure proper dental care until the age of five or six.
Once of the most effective agents for preventing tooth decay is the mineral fluoride which incorporates itself into tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attack from plaque. Children who drink water containing fluoride from the time they are born on average have up to 50% fewer cavities. If you are not sure if your child is getting the proper amount of fluoride, ask your dentist for fluoride supplements.
When children brush their teeth, it is important that they spit the toothpaste out, not swallow it. Too much fluoride can lead to problems. In mild cases, there may be a few white flecks on the enamel of the teeth. In more severe cases, there may be brown stains.
Start Early
Children should start learning early how to take care of their teeth. Dental experts now say that an electric toothbrush is best when it comes to brushing, and nowadays you can buy one suitable for small children from the age of three years old on up. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing one, and don’t buy any manual toothbrushes that are too abrasive for young teeth.
Children usually get all their baby teeth by the time they are two or three, but the last one will not fall out until they are about age 12. That is why it is so important to keep proper care of their baby teeth, as they will have them for over a decade. Remember, if they are damaged or need to be removed due to decay, there will not be new teeth to replace them until their adult teeth come in.
Encouraging regular brushing and flossing as well as a healthy diet are important ways to keep your children’s teeth in good shape. Regular dental visits are also important, as well as using a specially formulated fluoride toothpaste and making sure any dental injuries are seen to immediately. A lifetime of healthy teeth begins with early prevention and regular examinations.
