Baby Teeth
It is very important to maintain the health of baby teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect the development of permanent teeth. Baby teeth are important for proper chewing and eating. Your child’s primary teeth provide space for the permanent teeth and guide them into the correct position. Baby teeth also permit normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the cuspids and molars aren’t replaced with permanent teeth until age 10-13.
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth that erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first baby teeth to appear are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and they usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. You will probably have to do their flossing until the child is 8. Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your children. The more frequently a child snacks and the longer the snack stays in the mouth, the greater the chance for tooth decay. There is protection for decay-prone areas of the teeth. A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out of five cavities in children are found. Sealants act as a barrier to food, plaque and acid. Fluoride is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to even brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Being aware of a child’s potential sources of fluoride can help parents prevent the possibility of dental fluorosis. If you live in Millburn, or anywhere in northern New Jersey, Tavormina Dentistry can provide your children dental care and help establish a habit of a lifetime of good oral health.