Parents often ask us why baby teeth are so important if they're only going to fall out eventually. There are a few answers to this question, so today, we'll address why baby teeth are so critical for your little one's smile and oral development, as they have several jobs to complete before they go.
What Are Baby Teeth and When Do They Appear?
Baby, or primary teeth, are the first teeth to arrive in your baby's mouth. The timing of tooth eruption differs for every child and can start around four to six months, but may also occur later in some cases.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
The newly arrived teeth have several critical jobs to complete before they fall out in a few years:
- Holding space for adult teeth — Baby teeth maintain space and guide incoming adult teeth into their proper positions.
- Introducing solid foods — When your child gets their teeth, they can begin to expand their diet and experience the joy of solid foods.
- Encouraging speech — Did you know baby teeth aid your child in forming their first words?
- Building a confident smile — Children learn the joy of smiling at others with their new toothy grins.
Tips for Keeping Baby Teeth Healthy
Daily brushing and flossing around baby teeth helps keep them healthy and cavity-free. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and an infant's toothpaste that is safe to swallow until your child learns to spit.
We want to protect baby teeth because if they're damaged, decayed, or lost too soon, it can cause your child discomfort and impact their oral development. Routine visits with your kid-friendly dentist in Warners Bay every six months will also help to protect your child's precious smile.
If you're looking for children's dentistry in Newcastle, look no further than your team at Smiles HQ! We love working with children and caring for the small smiles in our community.