The Importance Of Baby Teeth And Their Impact On Permanent Teeth / When Should I Take My Child To The Dentist?

A baby tooth is very effective in the child’s growth, improving their eating habits, allowing them to articulate words easily, and keeping their teeth healthy, which in turn fosters better growth and learning.

How important are baby teeth?

Baby teeth play an essential and unique role in a child’s growth because the child’s mouth is not large enough to accommodate the permanent teeth. Since baby teeth are quite small, they easily fit into the child’s mouth space.

Imagine if, as they age, these baby teeth stayed in our mouths. What do you think would happen? These teeth are very small, and there would be a lot of empty space between them, preventing them from functioning properly. This is why having two sets of teeth is so important: the child needs baby teeth to start eating and speaking and to prepare for the transition and alignment of their permanent teeth in the future.

The impact of baby teeth on permanent teeth

Baby teeth have a direct effect on the child’s permanent teeth. Each baby tooth plays an important role in creating space for the permanent tooth. If a baby tooth is accidentally damaged, lost too early, or decays, it cannot create enough space for the adult tooth, which can lead to misalignment in adulthood. Therefore, proper care of baby teeth and regular dental checkups help prevent future problems.

Comparing baby teeth with permanent teeth

Both baby and permanent teeth have the same general purpose, but there are differences between them, including:

• Number: There are 20 baby teeth, while there are 32 permanent teeth, which means that permanent teeth take up more space in the mouth.

• Enamel: Baby teeth have a thin layer of enamel compared to permanent teeth. This enamel helps protect the teeth from decay. The thin enamel on baby teeth makes them more susceptible to decay.

• Hardness: Baby teeth are softer than permanent teeth, making them more prone to grinding and damage from acidic foods.

• Color: Baby teeth are naturally whiter than permanent teeth. This is completely normal, and you will notice this difference when your child has both baby and permanent teeth in their mouth.

Due to these differences, it is crucial to choose an age-appropriate toothpaste for your child and a toothbrush suited for baby teeth to effectively care for them.

When should you take your child to the dentist?

Experts usually recommend taking your child to the dentist after the first tooth emerges, but before their first birthday.

At this time, the dentist can:

• Check for any signs of decay or issues with the teeth

• Explain how to properly clean your child’s teeth

• Offer suggestions for dental habits that help improve dental health and thumb-sucking issues.