We might think that we have teeth purely to chew our food, but there is so much more! Baby teeth help us with speech development, smiling, and act as a placeholder for our adult teeth as our jaws grow and take shape. 

Teeth never grow like hair or nails, so once they are fully formed there is no changing them. A full set of 32 adult teeth are just too big for a child’s small jaw. That’s why we need two sets of teeth to accommodate the change in our jaw sizes over time without hampering our ability to use them.

Both sets of teeth are incredibly important and that’s why you need to establish good dental habit from early on.

In general if you’re noticing any abnormalities in your child’s teeth it’s best to get them checked by a professional to handle any preventable further damage.

The bacterial content of a mouth full of cavities and decay is very high. When the new permanent teeth start to come in by the age of 6, the existing bacteria invades them, leading to cavities in the young permanent teeth coming in.

If untreated, decay from baby teeth can progress deeper into and through the root canals into the underlying bone. This may cause an acidic environment around the developing permanent tooth; the body’s response varies depending on the age of the child and status of development of the erupting permanent tooth.

There is the possibility of abscess formations on the gums, decay progression, discoloration, malformations and permanent staining of the adult tooth.

Tooth decay is preventable, as most decay is a result of poor dental hygiene and diet. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent tooth decay in your child:

As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s important to start a brushing routine. Brush your child’s tooth/teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush. 

If your child is old enough (atleast 3 years plus) to brush their teeth themselves, take the time to ensure they are doing it properly. After the age of two is a good time to start incorporating flossing into your child’s teeth routine.

Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay. It helps to strengthen teeth, resist acid, and block the cavity-forming action of bacteria.

Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet. Limit snacks that are sticky and high in sugars, such as chips, candy, cookies, and cake. 

​​When you consume sugar, it immediately begins interacting with the plaque bacteria to produce acid. The acid then dissolves your enamel slowly, creating the decay in your teeth. Limiting the amount of sugar and acid in your diet is a best practice for not only your teeth but overall health.

If your child uses a bottle at bedtime, only put water in it. Juice or formula contain sugars that can lead to tooth decay.

Scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams for your child is the best way to stay on top of their dental health.