A common misconception about baby teeth is that caring for them isn’t necessary since they eventually fall out. In reality, caring for baby teeth is just as important as caring for adult teeth.
When you don’t properly care for baby teeth, your child is more vulnerable to tooth decay. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood and can lead to many problems such as:
- Mouth pain – Mouth pain can lead to a variety of other problems, including difficulty chewing and struggling in school. This begins to affect your child’s overall wellbeing.
- Complications with adult teeth – Untreated tooth decay can lead to infections and tooth extractions, which can cause complications with adult teeth. Permanent teeth can drift into the empty space reserved for other adult teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment.
What’s the best way to care for baby teeth?
Starting a good oral hygiene routine with your child from a young age can help decrease their chance of developing tooth decay:
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean cloth.
- Once their teeth come in, brush two times a day.
- Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.
- Limit sugary foods.
Schedule your child’s routine dental checkup today to keep those baby teeth healthy!
