It’s not unusual for people to assume baby teeth aren’t crucial since they eventually fall out. The truth is that baby teeth are foundational to permanent teeth, so they should be well taken care of, too. Children’s Dental Center is here to tell you about the importance of baby teeth and how to keep them healthy.
Misconceptions About Baby Teeth
There are definitely some common inaccuracies about how baby teeth function. This can make it confusing for parents like yourself to know the best course of action, so let’s set the record straight.
Myth: You don’t need to take your child to the dentist until all their baby teeth are in.
Truth: Early checkups with Dr. Rowland, Dr. Selecman, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Greene, or Dr. Church can help prevent dental problems before they start. A child’s first dental visit should ideally happen by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts.
Myth: Cavities in baby teeth don’t need treatment.
Truth: Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause a host of issues, including pain, infections, and premature tooth loss. These may also cause long-term problems with speech and eating. Bad cavities can also spread to developing permanent teeth underneath.
Myth: Losing baby teeth early isn’t a big deal.
Truth: If a baby tooth falls out too soon due to decay or injury, it can cause spacing problems for permanent teeth, leading to the need for orthodontic intervention. Your dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent crowding issues if this happens.
Myth: Thumb sucking will permanently ruin my child’s teeth.
Truth: Occasional thumb sucking is normal, but prolonged habits beyond age three or four will start to affect tooth alignment. Our team can provide guidance on breaking the habit gently.
Myth: Fluoride is unsafe for young children.
Truth: In proper amounts, fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Pediatric dentists recommend using a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under three and a pea-sized amount for children aged three to six.
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
Baby teeth play a significant role in your child’s health—physically and even mentally. Here are a few of the reasons we suggest you should keep an eye on them:
- Speech Development – Baby teeth help children learn how to pronounce sounds correctly.
- Guiding Permanent Teeth – Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth, helping them erupt as they’re meant to.
- Proper Chewing and Digestion—Healthy baby teeth allow children to chew food properly, aiding proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Preventing Future Dental Issues – Early dental care helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and later misalignment problems.
- Boosting Confidence – A healthy smile contributes to self-esteem and social development when kids start school.
Caring for Baby Teeth
You can incorporate several innovative practices into your child’s oral health routine to protect baby teeth.
- Begin Oral Care Early: Even before your child’s first teeth appear, you can clean their gums with a soft damp cloth. Emerging baby teeth can be cleaned using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush and Floss Daily: Kids should brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily once two teeth touch. Supervise brushing until your child can do it effectively on their own (usually around age 6-7).
- Be Mindful of Sugar: Remember that one of the leading causes of cavities is excess sugar—which can be particularly prevalent in kid’s drinks and snacks. Consider incorporating plenty of water in between meals.
- Don’t Skip Appointments: It’s essential to try to stick to a regular schedule (every six months or so) for dental checkups. These appointments are invaluable because they allow us to monitor the state of your child’s smile closely and make Children’s Dental Center a familiar place for your kids to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many baby teeth do kids have?
Children have 20 baby teeth, 10 on top and 10 on the bottom. These will eventually be replaced by 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
Q: When do baby teeth start falling out?
Baby teeth generally start falling out around age six and continue until about age 12 or 13. The front teeth (incisors) are usually the first to go, while the molars are the last to be replaced. However, they can be lost earlier due to acute impact or decay.
Q: Are gaps between baby teeth normal?
Yes, gaps between baby teeth are natural and help make room for larger adult teeth. However, we can assess whether we need to consider other spacing solutions if there are extreme spacing or crowding issues.
Tiny But Mighty
Whether you visit our office in Arlington, Collierville, or Midtown, our expert team will collaborate with you to prepare your child’s smile for success. We look forward to seeing you soon!