When your precious little one goes through the tedious process of teething, don't you often find yourself asking; "is it even worth it?" Most parents underestimate the importance of baby teeth, as in the back of their mind they know that these teeth would get replaced with permanent ones, sooner or later. But it is very important for us to understand that primary teeth are the first steps towards the baby's happy oral health. Read on to know all about baby teeth, their real significance and useful dental care tips.
Baby Teeth
Your baby's first teeth start surfacing when he turns 6 months old. While these have been already formed when the baby is born, they only begin to erupt from the gums now. The two front bottom teeth are the teeth that come in first. The next teeth to follow are the four front top teeth and the other two bottom teeth. Teeth usually erupt in pairs, one on each side of the face. By the age of 3, your child will have about twenty of these in his/her mouth.
Significance of Baby Teeth
It is essential to take excellent care of your baby's primary teeth. Here is why:
- Aid in digesting food - Healthy teeth help in the normal development of jaw bones and facial muscles that allow children to chew their food. Without these, your child would have difficulty in chewing their food and which could lead to digestive problems and malnutrition.
- Serve as space maintainers - Primary teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. Kids with missing primary teeth, or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer, a device used to hold the natural space open. Without a maintainer, the teeth can tilt towards the empty space and cause permanent teeth to come in crooked. This can lead to an awkward smile and an improper bite.
- Help in speech development - Your child's teeth aid in forming words and speak clearly and quickly. Loosing them too early may affect the kid's speech pattern and also his self-image. By the time this gets rectified, with the development of permanent teeth, the kid is already 7-9 years of age and this could affect his self-image and confidence.
- Caring for your baby's teeth - If you want to know how to clean teeth, you must remember that brushing should have a strict routine in your child's life, right from the start. When your baby has no teeth, you must still clean his gums with a soft wash cloth. Use a gauge to clean the first tooth that appears. Floss as soon as two teeth appear side by side. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your baby's teeth when more appear.
Make sure you regulate your visits to your baby's dentist. Start when he turns 1. Also, avoid giving your baby sugary liquids to sip on, in the baby bottle. These liquids such a milk, juice etc., cause the baby's teeth to decay much faster. You must make sure the baby starts using a cup to drink as soon as he can sit up.
Now you know why taking good care of those tiny little pearls is so important? Take our advice and have your baby orally fit and happy!
Rachel Simon, mom with two cute girls is very caring mother who's always worry about her kid's health. She loves to share her personal experience and thoughts on baby care, this time she is sharing her views on baby dental care tips and how to clean teeth
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