April 9, 2012
Teeth are such a milestone and conversation piece throughout our lives. When will baby get his first tooth; when will my daughter lose her first tooth. It seems like braces and expanders are starting much younger than when I was kid. My pre-teen daughter is concerned that her teeth are not white enough, while my parents and their friends are all discussing dental implant sugery!
Well, let’s get back to basics. Besides looking cute, did you know that baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth? According to the Amercian Dental Association, they are not only helpful for chewing, but they actually “hold space in the jaws for adult teeth. Both primary and permanent help give the face its shape and form.”
I never really thought about where teeth appear from. Apparently, primary teeth are already in the baby’s jaw at birth. http://www.ada.org/3813.aspx
It’s very important to keep baby’s mouth clean and to prevent decay. Do not put baby to bed with a bottle and avoid sugary drinks. Be sure to wipe baby’s gums with a washcloth each day, and never dip the pacifier in sugar or honey before giving to baby.
Decay in primary teeth can often to lead to decay in permanent teeth, so teach your child good oral care habits from the beginning.
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