Keeping Baby Teeth Healthy

We know they don’t last forever – but Baby Teeth, or Primary Dentition, are still important and play a vital role in a child’s development and oral health.

Don’t Give Up On Baby Teeth

Just because baby teeth are deciduous and are programmed to fall out at a specific stage of development doesn’t mean the health and vitality of these teeth should be overlooked. Though a visit from the Tooth Fairy conjures up excitement – especially with the loss of a first tooth –there are many benefits to retaining Baby Teeth until fully developed Permanent Teeth are ready to erupt.

The Role Of Baby Teeth

Consisting of twenty teeth in total; Primary Teeth play an important role in a child’s speech and ability to chew food adequately. These short, bright white teeth also hold space for when adult teeth are ready to erupt. If Baby Teeth are lost prematurely, adult teeth lose their guidance mechanism and can erupt slightly off course or fail to erupt on time.

How To Care For Primary Teeth

Family Dentists at Metro Dental in Harvest Hills explain that Baby Teeth are prone to decay and need to be brushed daily – just like adult teeth. Even if your child only has one or two teeth they still need to be kept clean with a soft toothbrush. Daily brushing of your infant’s teeth not only will keep them free from sugar bugs but help establish the healthy habit of daily oral care. Though Fluoride is needed to help strengthen tooth enamel – the quantity of fluoride that your child is exposed to should be monitored – taking care to ensure that excess toothpaste is spat out at the end of brushing and not swallowed. Children need help with brushing until they are around eight years of age – so getting into a routine that works for you and your child is recommended.

Good Food For Strong Teeth

We’ve been on a bit of a sugar rant lately – explaining the negatives of this much-loved powder that weakens the body’s immunity while causing rampant decay in young patients. Choosing foods that aren’t sugar-laden has the greatest impact on a child’s dental health. Providing snacks that are nutrient-dense will not only keep your child satisfied but help provide the essential nutrients for strong bones and teeth. Cheese, fruit, and vegetables are trusted snacks for reducing sugar and providing goodness.

Your infant should visit the dentist within a year of their first tooth erupting – or sooner if you have concerns. For more information regarding Family Dental Care in Calgary – contact Metro Dental today (587) 355-2524