Dentist Reveals Why Primary (Baby) Teeth Are So Important

Having a new baby is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time! When those first teeth begin to arrive, you may not be sure what to do. When should you begin brushing them? When does your little one need to visit the dentist? How important are baby teeth if they’re only going to fall out in a few years? Your dentist has all the answers to these vital oral health questions for your child. Read on!

The Essential Job of Primary Teeth

Believe it or not, even though baby teeth are only around for a short period of time, they actually have a few jobs to do that are essential for your son or daughter’s development. These are:

• Holding space for adult teeth and guiding them into position.
• Helping your baby learn their first words and speech patterns.
• Helping your child learn to chew and eat solid foods.

If these little teeth are lost too soon, it could affect your child’s oral development.

When to Start Brushing

Caring for your child’s oral health actually begins even before their first teeth arrive! You can remove the bacteria left in their mouth after each feeding by wiping their gums with a warm cloth.

You should begin brushing with a small, soft bristled toothbrush as soon as those first teeth come in. You can just brush, or even use toothpaste that is safe for infants to swallow as well. Brushing early on not only keeps baby teeth clean and healthy, it also acclimates your son or daughter to the feeling of brushing, which prepares them for the future.

When to Visit Your Dentist

Visiting your family dentist can begin after your little one’s first teeth arrive, or by their first birthday at the latest. Your dentist will count and examine their teeth and answer any questions you may have about caring for your child’s teeth and mouth during their first visit.

Starting these appointments early allow your child to begin feeling comfortable when they visit the dentist. It also gives your family dentist the opportunity to begin monitoring their oral development.

Do You Have More Questions?

If you have additional questions or other concerns about your son or daughter’s dental health, we encourage you to contact your dentist today for more information.

About the Author

Dr. Derek Song provides high quality dental care to patients in Burlington, MA. He welcomes patients of all ages to his practice and he partners with Dr. Alex Okoye to provide pediatric dental services to our youngest patients.

If you would like to contact Dr. Song, you can reach our practice by calling 781-272-5890 or contact him online.