Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?
MYTH! Baby teeth don’t matter because they’re going to fall out anyway.
This is a common myth dentists often hear. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry along with other major dental associations encourage parents to make a child’s first appointment by the child’s first birthday or about six months after the first tooth erupts.
Locally, Dr. Julie Stieber, of First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry, answers some of the most common and “not so common” questions about baby teeth.
Q: Since baby teeth fall out why does it matter if they have decay?
Dr. Julie: Children are not healthy if their teeth are not healthy. Healthy teeth in infants matters because teeth are important to the development of a child’s language skills and chewing food.
Most children don’t loose all their baby teeth until about 12 or 13 years old. Decay can spread from baby teeth to adult teeth. Problems with baby teeth can increase the risk for problems with adult teeth if baby teeth are not treated early.
Q: Why fill baby teeth if they’re going to lose them anyway?
Dr. Julie: Neglect primary teeth or [baby teeth] and a child can suffer pain, infection of the gums and jaws, and other problems with general health. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space and block out the emerging permanent tooth -- creating an impaction and an orthodontic problem.
Also, poor oral health is a major reason why children miss school. Practicing good dental care increases your child’s ability to be successful in school.
Q: Can my child inherit my bad teeth?
Dr. Julie: Your poor oral legacy does not have to be passed to your child. Susceptibility to tooth decay is influenced by many factors including the shape of teeth, (which can be genetic), and the environment (fluoride or brushing habits). Early dental visits and practicing proper dental care at home can give your child the gift of a lifetime of healthy smiles
Q: Can the poor condition of a parent’s teeth and gums impact a child’s oral health?
Dr. Julie: Studies show germs that cause oral disease can be passed to children making it all the more important that parents practice good dental health too.
Q: What can I do to keep my baby’s teeth healthy?
Dr. Julie: Babies should not go to bed with a bottle filled with liquids like milk, juice or formula. (Water is acceptable.) Foods high in sugar and sticky foods like suckers, fruit snacks and cookies stay in the mouth longer increasing the possibility of tooth decay. Offer fresh fruits, vegetables or cheese as an alternative.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other dental associations stress that young children get good oral health care. But, they recognize it is not always available to all children – especially those in disadvantaged families.
Marathon County’s Head Start program serves 3, 4, and five year old children and requires dental exams in the first 90 days of school. For the last six years First Impressions has opened its doors to Head Start to insure a healthy start in school. “Many of these children have never seen a dentist,” says Norma Blosenski with Head Start.
“Baby teeth matter!” says Dr. Stieber. “Give your child a dental home early on. There should be no fear in going to the dentist. With good care your child will treat you to a bright smile long into adulthood.”