Parents often wonder about the American Dental Association’s recommendation that children see the dentist no later than their first birthday. They only have a couple of baby teeth, and those will come out anyway, so what’s the urgency?
Consider the fact that your child’s baby teeth actually started forming when you were six to eight weeks pregnant, and permanent teeth followed in the twentieth week. You can see that a lot happens with your child’s oral health even before your little one makes their appearance in the world!
The Crucial Role Baby Teeth Play
Tiny baby teeth are certainly precious, but they play a significant role in your child’s early dental development. What happens with baby teeth matters and will impact your child’s oral health for the rest of their lives, for better or worse!
As a parent, you should be aware of these three reasons to protect baby teeth:
- They allow your child to speak clearly and chew comfortably.
- They hold a space for permanent teeth developing in the gums. When a baby tooth is lost too soon it leaves an empty space behind. Neighboring teeth start to drift into the space and permanent teeth may not have enough room to erupt properly, leading to misalignment.
- It’s never too early to get your child used to oral hygiene as part of their usual daily routine. We will show you how to clean your child’s baby teeth properly so you can make sure they stay strong and healthy.
Please Call for More Information!
If you are a new parent, you probably have lots of questions about managing your child’s oral health. San Diego dentist Dr. Duc Nguyen loves helping little kids get a positive start with their dental care. Whether it’s time for your child’s first visit or you just have questions, please call us. We are here to help!