Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s health, physical and emotional development process. They help the child to chew, speak and smile. These teeth start appearing at the age of 3-4 months. But, the eruption of teeth through gums is between the age of 6 months to one year.
Importance of Baby teeth
Baby teeth should hold the space in the jaws which is required for the development of Permanent teeth. In healthy circumstances, usually, primary teeth stay in the mouth until the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. If a child loses a baby tooth early, it can cause spatial problems like crocked teeth that affect permanent teeth.
If your baby tooth falls out early or removed before the permanent teeth come out, the teeth may shift from the open space on either side and invade the open space. As a result, there won’t be much space for permanent teeth from baby teeth to emerge in their position. Hence there is an impact on dislocation of teeth. Misaligned teeth become hard to clean and brush. As a result, dental risk in children increases and there are more chances of getting dental treatments in future.
What is the purpose of Baby teeth?
When the age turns three, the children will have a full set of primary teeth. Primary teeth fulfil its responsibilities like
• Promoting healthy nutrition through proper chewing.
• Comfort in speech development
• Allow a fine path for permanent teeth when they are ready to erupt
• Allowing a beautiful smile
• Building awareness in the school without getting distraction due to dental pain
Reasons why baby teeth are as important as primary teeth
No matter whether it is primary teeth or baby teeth, teeth are important for the child’s physical and emotional development. Let us discuss some of the reasons why to take care of baby teeth.
Healthy permanent teeth
These teeth erupt very close to the roots of baby teeth. As the primary teeth are very smaller, cavities can spread quickly through the enamel. Leaving the cavities with no treatment can cause the infection for tooth development. As a result, it causes damage to the permanent tooth system.
Positioning of Tooth
The primary teeth save some space for the permanent teeth and help them in guiding with proper alignment. If a baby tooth is lost early the adjacent teeth tip into that space. As a result, the permanent teeth have tiny space to come in and also can be blocked from entering.
Boost in speech and Facial development
When teeth sound the lips, tongue and cheeks deflect off. The presence of proper alignment of teeth boosts up in the formation of the proper pronunciation of speech. The tooth structure plays a crucial role in developing facial muscles and the shape of the face.
Healthy nutrition
If a child is not able to chew food properly due to dental pain from cavities, it definitely leads to nutrition deficiency. Also, leaving cavities untreated is a great sign of welcoming infections. And, as a result, this infection spreads to all other body parts from the brain to foot.
Concentration & Self-esteem
If a child is suffering from dental pain, it definitely affects their way of living and school. Formation of tooth decay at that age can lead the child to lose their confidence. So, taking care of the child since at the age of baby teeth is mandatory. Also, teaching your child to develop good oral habits is very important!
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist at dental hospital qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment
Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Regular brushing, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash should be included in every oral hygiene routine. You must also schedule regular checkups with your dentist to prevent permanent damage to your teeth.