Children are normally born with two sets of teeth: A primary set that emerges within the first several years and an adult set that replaces it around elementary school age. The primary teeth play a number of important roles in your child’s development and oral health, so it’s important to know how to take care of them. Here’s a brief guide to how baby teeth work and what you can do to ensure that they stay healthy.
What Purpose Do Baby Teeth Serve?
The baby teeth provide the chewing force necessary for your child to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, and they also protect the gums from injury while the adult teeth are developing. Importantly, the baby teeth also serve to guide the adult teeth into their proper positions as they emerge, so losing a primary tooth too early can potentially lead to misalignments later. If your child loses a baby tooth, your dentist may place a device in the empty space to help ensure that their adult teeth grow in straight.
When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
You should begin brushing your child’s teeth daily as soon as their first one starts to emerge, and it’s also important to schedule their first dental appointment at that time. However, you can get them used to the sensations associated with oral hygiene sooner by regularly wiping their gums with a clean finger or washcloth to remove residue and debris. This will also stimulate their soft tissues and help prevent infections.
When Should I Start Flossing My Child’s Teeth?
Flossing is every bit as important for your child’s oral health as brushing, but it can be a hard habit to get into. You should begin flossing your child’s baby teeth as soon as they have two next to one another, as this will remove infection-causing plaque and food debris while acclimating them to the oral health process.
Your child’s baby teeth set the stage for their adult smile, so it’s important to give them all the help they need to stay healthy until they fall out on their own. Consulting with your pediatric dentist can help you find the best way to keep your little one’s teeth in excellent condition.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne S. Paulson earned his dental degree from Creighton University and completed a two-year residency in Hawaii. He enjoys the humor that comes with providing children’s dental care as well as the satisfaction of helping young people establish excellent oral health that lasts for life. His office in Casper offers pediatric general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about caring for your child’s baby teeth, contact his office online or dial (307) 266-1997.