Baby Teeth Are More Important Than You Think! A Family Dentist Explains Why

Taking care of little ones can be overwhelming for any parent. With so many priorities, you really have to pick your battles when it comes to what you devote your time and attention to. Although it may surprise you, caring for your child’s baby teeth is one battle worth fighting! In honor of February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, this blog explains why it’s so important to maintain baby teeth and how scheduling regular checkups with a family dentist is the first step. Learn more below!

Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?

It’s understandable to think that baby teeth don’t matter very much since they’re going to fall out eventually. But the truth is that they’re incredibly important to your child’s smile now and later. Here’s why:

• Although baby teeth do fall out at some point, they still need to function for many years (some up to age 12). Children of all ages need a healthy, full set of teeth to speak clearly, chew comfortably, and smile with confidence.
• Baby teeth guide the development and position of the adult teeth. If they get large cavities and have to be extracted, it affects the health of the permanent teeth.
• A cavity is actually a type of infection – whether it’s in a baby tooth or a permanent one. If a cavity goes untreated, this infection can become an abscess and spread to other areas of the body, which is very dangerous.

Why Are Checkups With a Family Dentist So Important?

One of the best things you can do to make sure your child’s baby teeth stay healthy is to schedule regular checkups with a family dentist.

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children get their first checkup within 6 months of getting their first tooth (or around their first birthday). Don’t worry if your child is older than this – just schedule as soon as possible.

Here’s what the first checkup (sometimes called a “happy visit”)  will include:

• A dentist will spend time reviewing your child’s medical and dental history and discuss any questions you may have.
• Children typically don’t get X-rays and a cleaning until they’re about 3-4 years old. Earlier than that, they’ll simply get visual exams to make sure everything is normal and healthy.
• A dentist will recommend the best way to keep your child’s teeth clean at home to keep them cavity-free. They’ll also discuss the best products to use and tell you whether fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate.
• If you don’t live in an area with a fluoridated water supply, they can prescribe supplements to help your child’s teeth develop as strong as possible.
• Finally, your child will get a new toothbrush and pick out a toy, which will probably become their favorite part of their appointments!

Part of the goal of the first checkup is simply to help your child have a positive experience, which sets them up for a lifetime of comfortable dental care and helps them avoid a fear of the dentist.

Scheduling these 2 preventive visits each year goes a long way towards keeping your child’s baby teeth (and future teeth) healthy. A little time spent now on their dental health will pay off for the rest of their life!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis is a family dentist and a graduate of the UConn School of Dental Medicine. When it comes to oral health, she enjoys giving her pediatric patients the best start possible in life and always takes the time to educate parents about preventive care. If you have any other questions about your child’s baby teeth, she can be reached via her website.