Primary or baby teeth may be only temporary, but they serve several important purposes while they are present. That’s why a children’s dentist in DuPont takes the oral health of your childrenso seriously. Dental problems absolutely cannot be ignored. Read on to learn more about what needs to be done to maintain your children’s teeth and gums.
What Do Baby Teeth Do?
Aside from melting your heart every time they smile at you, primary teeth play an important role in your child’s health and development.
First, they are integral to your child’s nutrition and growth. Strong teeth allow your children to chew a variety of foods so they can have a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Second, teeth help to ensure proper speech development. Along with the tongue and cheek, teeth are instruments that support pronunciation and enunciation.
Finally, a primary tooth reserves the space where a permanent tooth will eventually grow in. If a baby tooth should happen to be knocked out or must be removed early because of advanced decay, then adjacent teeth may shift to fill in the gap. This can lead to dental crowding and orthodontic problems in the future. Therefore, taking care of your children’s teeth can help them avoid dental problems now and in the years ahead. In addition, you will be teaching your child the importance of good oral hygiene.
Brushing Primary Teeth
When should you start brushing your child’s teeth? As soon as you see that first little tooth come through the gums. Just moisten a small, soft toothbrush with warm water. Do not use toothpaste until your child is around two or three years old and knows how to spit.
As your children grow, they may want to choose their own toothbrush and tooth paste. This is a great way to get them involved in their own oral health care. While toddlers often want to try brushing their own teeth, parents really do need to supervise and participate in oral hygiene care until children are seven or eight years old.
Seeing a Children’s Dentist in DuPont
What is the right age to start bringing your children to the dentist in DuPont? Generally speaking, that first dental appointment should happen when their first tooth appears or around their first birthday. This early visit gives the dentist the opportunity to examine the development of your child’s smile and bite. Dental problems that are found and addressed early are much easier to correct.
If you would like to know more about how to properly care for your children’s smiles, please schedule a visitwith your dentist in DuPont.
Say Hello to Dupont Family Dentistry
At Dupont Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing all of the services our patients need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile at every age. If you need to schedule a checkup or any other kind of treatment, make an appointment today with your family dentist in DuPont.