Learn Why a Family Dentist in Wayland Cares About Baby Teeth

When your child’s first baby tooth falls out naturally, it can be an exciting time. Seeing your child go through the same developmental passages you went through can be a truly amazing experience. However, just because their baby teeth are going to come out eventually doesn’t necessarily mean you should let oral hygiene be left behind.

Children require special attention when it comes to their oral health, so it’s crucial that you take the time to learn why baby teeth matter and what you can do to prevent them from developing cavities. Learn more by reading this post from a family dentist in Wayland!

How Baby Teeth Cavities Affect Oral Development

When your child’s baby teeth are developing cavities, it’s a sign that a bacterial infection is present. This could be caused by poor oral hygiene, accidentally transferring your own oral bacteria to their vulnerable mouths, or a diet that’s high in sugar. No matter how the cavities appeared, the process of demineralization is going to start if they are left untreated. Mineralization is the process in which teeth use fluoride to rebuild, but demineralization causes enamel to break down further and eventually collapse. This results in tooth loss, which can have serious implications.

Many parents don’t realize that baby teeth are not only for chewing and smiling, but also acting as buffers for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth falls out prematurely, it can cause the permanent tooth to erupt before it’s ready. It will also cause neighboring teeth to shift into the open space left behind and cause misalignment issues later in life. If you want to reduce the chances of your child needing orthodontic work later, it’s crucial that you take proper care of their teeth now.

How They Affect Their Overall Development

Baby teeth cavities will obviously put a damper on your child’s oral development, but it’s not the only aspect of their health that’s at risk. Tooth decay only makes it difficult for them to chew the foods they need to grow properly. This can easily lead to malnutrition and cause problems with the rest of their development later.

Furthermore, children with decaying teeth often have trouble speaking, which can affect their ability to create lasting relationships at a young age. It can also make it difficult for them to concentrate in school if they have chronic tooth pain.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Child’s Teeth

Thankfully, there are many ways to reduce your child’s risk of baby tooth decay. Consider the following tips to help you get started:

• Do not give your child a baby bottle while in their crib (unless you give them plain water)
• Avoid excessive nighttime bottle and breastfeeding
• Make sure your home is receiving fluoridated water
• Clean your child’s teeth as they erupt. Use a damp washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to clean teeth. Use no more than a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice until the age of three.

Want more tips on reducing child tooth decay? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Wayland today!

About Wayland Dental

The dentists and team members at Wayland Dental work hard to help young patients establish a proper oral care routine at home to reduce the risk of cavities. If you’re looking for treatments that can help defend your child against harmful oral bacteria, contact our office today to learn what can most benefit your child!