Yes, when babies are born they do not yet have teeth. But oral health should start very early in life. Although they are not yet permanent, baby teeth should be cared for just as cautiously as with adult teeth. Dentists and experts have come up with a list of functions that baby teeth serve including reserving space for permanent teeth and then serving as guide so that these permanent teeth could grow into their right positions. At the same time, baby teeth help toddlers and kids to speak properly as well as help in the development of facial muscles and of course jaw bones. And because kids often need to practice certain habits which they will carry on all the way to adult life, temporary teeth help the little ones to practice brushing and flossing.
Dental checkup
Most of the time, babies get their primary teeth when they are between the ages six months and one year. According to the American Dental Association, a child should be examined by the dentist as early as six months but no later than his or her first birthday. The dentist should look for signs of tooth decay and cavities. But aside from that, a dental checkup will allow the dentist to monitor some bad habits common to babies like thumbsucking. By the time a baby reaches three years old, it is expected that he or she would have a full set of twenty baby teeth.
Why should a dental checkup be scheduled so early in life? This is because tooth decay and cavities can develop as soon as teeth appear. For that reason, it is crucial that parents start brushing their children’s teeth as soon as they see them erupt. This does not have to be complicated. One merely has to brush the primary teeth with water and a special toothbrush for toddlers.
Fluoride toothpaste
But with all this talk about how fluoride is healthy for the teeth, when should parents start introducing fluoride toothpaste to their kids? According to the dentists, fluoride toothpaste should be used only when the child is beyond the age of two. Make sure that your child spits out the toothpaste after brushing and rinse with water.
Primary tooth care
Why is it so crucial to take care of primary teeth when they’ll simply fall out eventually? This is because they serve as guide for the permanent teeth. If a primary tooth is missing, this might lead to the permanent teeth growing into the wrong position. Although braces can easily correct misaligned teeth, as doctors say, prevention is always better than cure.
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