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Prevention & Treatment

Oral care should begin even before teeth erupt to ensure a pattern of good dental habits, with flossing introduced as soon as possible. The enamel on baby teeth is not as tough as on adult teeth, therefore young children need extra care to avoid decay. In particular, it is highly recommended to avoid extended exposure to sugary liquids. Biannual, regular dental checkups will help keep decay in check.

Many parents wonder why baby teeth need to be treated if they are ultimately going to fall out. Decay-causing bacteria does not adhere to gums. It will, however, adhere to the twenty primary teeth a child will have by age three. Untreated decay will intensify, and the tooth may ultimately require more complex treatment or extraction. This is important as the permanent teeth use the baby teeth as a guide for position. The last primary teeth often do not fall out until ages 10 or 11.

Proper speech development is another reason for caring for and retaining primary teeth, and children with missing or decayed teeth may not be able to eat properly. Pain or discomfort while chewing may affect a child’s nutritional and caloric intake. Facial appearance, naturally, will also be affected by tooth loss.

 

 

 

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