Often parents think don’t worry those are baby teeth and they will fall out – this is incorrect baby teeth are important for many reasons; they hold the space open for permanent teeth, helping to guide them into position, as well as allowing your child to chew food and speak properly and have a healthy smile The importance of your child’s baby teeth and oral health is often underestimated and misunderstood. Here are the facts:
- A healthy mouth is as important as a healthy body
- Pain from cavities can affect sleep, diet and the ability to grow
- Tooth decay is the #1 most common chronic childhood disease – 5x more common than asthma and 7x more common than hay fever
- How cavities form: If plaque and food residue are not cleaned from your teeth the risk of decay is high.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is as serious as any other infectious disease
- Start early. Start cleaning your baby’s mouth before they have teeth, wiping their mouths after nursing and feeding whenever possible. As teeth appear start brushing with a rice grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after each feeding and most importantly before sleep.
- Do not give anything but plain water in a bottle to fall asleep. Exposure to any form of sugar (including that in milk) while asleep will result in your child being at high risk for Early Childhood Decay.
- Children are never too young to have their teeth checked. If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to call our office
- Study after study shows improved eating, sleeping, learning and playing for most children following treatment for severe cavities.
- Your child’s baby molars which arrive between 13 months and 3 ½ years of age will remain in their mouths until they are between 10-12 years old.
Countless studies have shown that children pick up most of their habits from parents, and those early habits are hard to break. Make sure you are setting an example by taking care of your teeth and gums as well. Taking care of your baby’s teeth and knowing their importance will set them up for a life time of good oral health.
We offer a complimentary orientation visit for children under three. Call our office 604-277-1131 to set up an appointment for your child today!
For more information about oral health you can also check out our website at www.stevestonsmiles.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using @stevestonsmiles.
