You may think that baby teeth matter very little. After all, they will fall out after a few years and be replaced with permanent teeth. However, baby teeth are actually important for several reasons.
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
Baby teeth contribute to a child’s development. They help kids learn to chew, speak, and smile correctly, behaviors that your child will retain with permanent teeth. They also mark space for permanent teeth, increasing the chance that when these teeth erupt they will come through straight. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, the permanent tooth may erupt in the wrong position, leading to crowding.
Pediatric Dental Services for Baby Teeth
Dental services for kids are necessary from the moment the first tooth appears — usually before the child is a year old. The dentist will check your child’s mouth to ensure everything appears healthy. He or she will also provide you with information on how to take care of your child’s teeth, prevent cavities, look for signs of decay, and manage bad habits like thumb sucking.
Are Crowns on Baby Teeth Necessary?
A dental crown allows a baby tooth to continue to look and function normally. It can save a tooth from falling out too early and hold space for a permanent tooth when damage is too severe for a filling. This way, you prevent all the problems caused by the loss of a tooth, including poor speech development, difficulty eating, misalignment of permanent teeth, and self-consciousness.
How to Protect Baby Teeth
By taking proper precautions, you can protect your child’s baby teeth and avoid the need for crowns. Follow the same oral hygiene routine as you use for your own teeth, brushing twice per day. You should also discourage your child from biting any foods that are very hard, such as ice.
