The Importance of Baby Teeth
Everyone knows that baby teeth eventually fall out so it can be easy to think that they don’t matter. Quite the contrary actually. Baby teeth, or , are key to a child’s health and development. They require both at-home attention in the form of brushing and flossing as well as in-office teeth cleanings from our Hudsonville family dentist.
Just think: if they didn’t have baby teeth, how would they eat, speak, or smile properly? Of course they could learn ways around certain behaviors but it certainly wouldn’t be easy. Basic behaviors and actions would not come as easy to them due to the obstacles created by missing teeth.
Here are 3 reasons for your child and how preventive care now means healthy teeth later on.
The Timing of Baby Teeth Eruption
Baby teeth generally begin to show around the age of 6 months, marking a significant milestone in a child’s life. The first teeth to make an appearance are typically the lower central incisors, those small, sharp teeth located right in the middle of the lower jaw. Shortly after, their neighboring teeth usually follow, filling in the gaps.
Related Post → When Will My Child Get Their First Tooth?
Around 2 months later, the 4 upper incisors begin to erupt, creating that adorable, toothy smile parents eagerly anticipate. As a child continues to grow, the process continues with other teeth, including the first molars, canines, and finally the second molars, which usually appear by the time a child is about 2 and a half years old.
It’s important to note that while this general timeline applies to many children, the eruption of baby teeth can vary significantly from one child to another. Some infants may start teething earlier or later than the 6-month mark, and the order of tooth appearance can also differ. Parents should keep in mind that these variations are entirely normal, and unless there are signs of discomfort or dental concerns, there’s usually no cause for worry if a child’s teeth emerge on a slightly different schedule.
Baby Teeth Are Special Because They:
Act as Placeholders for Permanent Teeth
Humans develop two sets of teeth: primary (baby) and secondary (adult). The first round of teeth amount to 20 total and are small in size. When a child is about 6 years old, they will begin to lose their erupted baby teeth in order to make room for 32 permanent teeth waiting underneath the gum line.
Learn More → Should I Pull My Child’s Loose Baby Tooth?
Before their adult teeth come in, however, their baby teeth hold space in their jaws. If a tooth is lost prematurely, the open spot left behind can cause oral complications. Surrounding teeth wanting to drift into the area will result in crowding and block other permanent teeth from coming in.
Our dentist will recommend a space maintainer if your child has prematurely lost a baby tooth. This dental appliance works to leave the space open until the adult tooth is ready to erupt.
Aid in Speech Development
Think of someone who hasn’t yet put their false teeth in. They’re a little hard to understand, right? This is because teeth help with the formation of words. Your tongue, lips, and teeth all work together to allow for words to be spoken by controlling airflow out of the mouth.
The existence and positioning of a aid in their pronunciation. For example, when their tongue strikes their teeth or the roof of their mouth, they learn to make a certain sound. Over time, they use their baby teeth to speak full sentences and communicate effectively. Without teeth at all, they would not be able to do this.
Have the Power to Affect Overall Health
Strong, healthy teeth are crucial when it comes to your child’s ability to chew. When teeth are decayed, proper eating becomes harder and nutritional deficiencies can occur.
Moreover, if an untreated infection arises in one or multiple teeth, it can spread to other areas of the body and possibly be life-threatening. Avoid scary medical complications altogether by encouraging your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
Read More → 5 Helpful Tips for Tooth Brushing
Healthy teeth beget a healthy body so it’s imperative that you help your child form productive oral hygiene habits on their own. Be sure to also schedule an infant oral health exam with our Hudsonville dental office and keep up with cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants in addition to what’s done at home.
Don’t Delay Dental Treatment for Your Child
Baby teeth play a large role in your child’s oral health. Despite their short stay, they should be taken care of just like adult teeth. Our children’s dentist in Hudsonville, MI, can help make preventive care a priority. Schedule an appointment online or call Hudsonville Dental Kids today at (616) 209-4039.
This blog post has been updated.
