The Monterey Park, CA dentist, and their expert team of family dentists know the importance of primary teeth. They emphasize oral care for kids since healthy baby teeth form a strong foundation for permanent dentition. Baby teeth are a set of 20 beautiful pearls that begin to emerge around 6 to 7 months of age. Let’s explore the reasons why baby or primary teeth are so important!
A comprehensive guide to primary dentition
Primary teeth, baby or milk teeth, begin their development beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. Around 6 to 9 months after birth, these teeth start to emerge above the gums. By the time children reach preschool age, they typically have a complete set of 20 baby teeth. They exfoliate and give way to the permanent dentition.
The major functions of primary teeth are described below:
- Proper alignment of primary teeth helps in proper speech and phonetics.
- Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits and facilitate nutritious eating
- Children with healthy and pleasing teeth and gums help build a sense of confidence in them and offer positive social interactions
- They hold an appropriate space for adult or permanent teeth to erupt
- They act as natural placeholders for permanent teeth
- They impart a healthy, beautifully aligned, and symmetrical smile
The importance of primary teeth
The importance of primary teeth is immeasurable. There are numerous reasons to weigh their importance. Taking care of primary teeth can pave the way for healthy and strong permanent dentition. Any damage or decay to the primary teeth can compromise oral health, form, and aesthetics. This can lead to poor nutrition and a lack of self-esteem. Furthermore, the infection can spread to the underlying permanent tooth buds damaging them as well. Extensive tooth decay and gum disease in primary teeth can result in tooth loss, which can hamper the natural space maintained by them for the permanent teeth to erupt in a correct alignment.
Caring for your kid’s primary teeth
As a parent, you must ensure to care for your child’s baby teeth in the following ways:
- Clean the gums from 3 months of age by rubbing them with moist cotton or gauze
- Avoid giving a milk bottle at night for longer periods
- Avoid giving your child sugar for the first year after birth
- Brush the teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush when their primary teeth erupt
- Use pea-sized fluoride toothpaste
- Take them to the dentist at least once every 6 months
Encouraging good oral hygiene habits in your child and scheduling regular dental check-ups are essential for ensuring the proper alignment and eruption of their permanent teeth. These practices promote improved oral health and overall wellness.
About Author
