Why Baby Teeth Matter

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play an important role in your child’s overall development. Although they eventually fall out, they are essential for several reasons:

1. Facilitating Proper Chewing and Nutrition: Baby teeth allow your child to chew food effectively, which is vital for proper digestion and nutrition. Healthy primary teeth help your child transition from a milk-only diet to solid foods, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
2. Aiding in Speech Development: The proper alignment and spacing of baby teeth are crucial for the development of clear speech. They help children form sounds and words correctly, contributing to effective communication skills.
3. Supporting Jaw and Facial Development: Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth that will eventually emerge. They guide the alignment and spacing of permanent teeth, ensuring a well-formed jaw and proper facial structure. Early loss of baby teeth can lead to misalignment and crowding of permanent teeth.
4. Promoting Self-Esteem and Confidence: A healthy, beautiful smile contributes to your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Early dental care and the maintenance of healthy baby teeth help your child develop a positive self-image.

How to Care for Your Child’s Baby Teeth

Proper care of baby teeth is essential to ensure they fulfill their roles in your child’s development. Here are some tips to maintain your child’s oral health:

1. Establish Good Oral Hygiene Habits

• Start Early: Begin cleaning your child’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before their first teeth emerge. Pediatric tooth wipes are also available online and perfect for wiping teeth after feeding. Food-grade safe silicone finger brushes are available and great for familiarizing your child with the motion of brushing. Once the first tooth appears, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
• Regular Brushing: Teach your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Brushing should be in circular motions at a 45-degree angle. Supervise their brushing until they can do it effectively on their own.

2. Encourage a Healthy Diet

• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Minimize your child’s consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, which can lead to cavities. Encourage healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and water.
• Nutritious Foods: Offer a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support dental health, such as calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt.

3. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

• Early Dental Visits: Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Regular check-ups help in early detection and prevention of dental issues.
• Professional Cleanings: Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar, ensuring your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy.

4. Preventive Care

• Hydroxyapatite Treatments: Use hydroxyapatite toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Your dentist may recommend hydroxyapatite varnish applications during dental visits for added protection.
• Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). They act as a barrier, preventing food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves and pits of the teeth.
• Ozone Oil: Flossing with ozone oil is a great way to naturally disinfect hard to reach areas of teeth.
• MI Paste: MI Paste contains calcium and phosphate, which replenish lost minerals in teeth and strengthen them. It also contains Recaldent, a milk-derived protein that binds calcium and phosphate to tooth surfaces. Pediatric dentists recommend MI Paste for children because it can help relieve tooth sensitivity without drying out or irritating the mouth. However, MI Paste contains small amounts of milk protein, so it may not be suitable for people with casein allergies.