Why Baby Teeth Care Is Important
It’s a sobering reality that pediatric tooth decay ranks as the number one preventable childhood illness. Yes, you read that right—children’s tooth decay is more common than other health conditions. Many factors contribute to this, especially the dietary choices parents make. New parents, eager to please their children, often offer tasty foods and drinks loaded with sugar. In a bid to avoid tantrums, they sacrifice nutritional content for flavor.
Understanding Baby Teeth Care
One significant reason many children suffer from cavities is the widespread misperception about the importance of baby teeth and their care. These primary teeth start developing around three months of age, and by the age of two, most children have a full set. It’s at this stage that pediatric dentists recommend a child’s first dental checkup and cleaning. Baby teeth begin to fall out around the age of six, with the last ones lost by age 12. During this period, parents often fall into the trap of believing that baby teeth don’t matter since they’ll eventually fall out anyway. This misconception greatly contributes to the prevalence of pediatric tooth decay.
The Role of Baby Teeth
Primary teeth are crucial for several reasons. They allow a child to eat and speak clearly and contribute significantly to the alignment and development of incoming permanent teeth. Baby teeth also play a vital role in jaw development and strengthening.
Consequences of Neglecting Baby Teeth Care
Failing to care adequately for baby teeth can lead to severe consequences. When neglected, tooth decay can lead to premature extraction, gum disease, or even affect the incoming adult teeth hidden beneath.
Premature Extraction: Severe decay can require the premature removal of a baby tooth, which may temporarily impair a child’s ability to speak clearly and eat well. The resulting gap can cause nearby teeth to shift, potentially leading to crooked or misaligned permanent teeth.
Gum Disease: Improper oral care can lead to gum disease in both children and adults. While gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, is common and reversible, it can progress to periodontitis. This more severe stage can result in tooth loss and weaken the jawbone.
Infection of Permanent Teeth: Decay in a primary tooth can infect the underlying adult tooth. If this permanent tooth erupts with a cavity, it will require immediate treatment, which can be daunting for a young patient and foster a fear of dental visits.
Effective Baby Teeth Care Practices
Proper care for baby teeth starts even before they emerge. Parents should use a soft, damp washcloth to wipe their child’s gums after each feeding. Once teeth begin erupting, introduce a small, kid-sized toothbrush with water for gentle cleaning. As more teeth come in, switch to a children’s toothpaste, using only a small amount. By the age of eight, children can be encouraged to brush their teeth independently.
Contrary to common belief, baby teeth are essential and require diligent care. When primary teeth aren’t looked after, pediatric tooth decay can occur, affecting both the gums and the underlining permanent teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and biannual dental checkups at the Hillsboro dental office are the best strategies for maintaining good oral health for both baby and adult teeth.
In summary, baby teeth care lays the foundation for lifelong oral health. By prioritizing their care, parents not only protect their children’s smiles but also their overall well-being.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
