When your child's first teeth arrive, it's an exciting time! You may also feel unsure about how to care for these small teeth. Do you even need to worry about them since they'll fall out in a few years? The answer is—yes!
Here are three reasons why your child's baby teeth are important and tips on how to take care of them.
They Help Your Child Learn to Speak and Eat
Baby teeth help your child begin to form their first words! They have probably been exploring sounds since birth, but they can start turning those sounds into words when the first teeth arrive.
These tiny teeth also allow them to begin exploring solid foods. You can start with soft baby foods like peas, carrots, or fruits to introduce them to new flavours, but avoid sugary foods and beverages, which could actually cause tooth decay in developing teeth.
They Help Adult Teeth Arrive
Did you know that your child's baby teeth are actually holding space for their developing adult teeth? It's true!
They also act as guides when it's time for those big teeth to arrive. Baby teeth lost too early may affect the arrival of adult teeth, which could impact your little one's developing jaw structure. When adult teeth are successfully guided into proper alignment by baby teeth, it sets the stage for future healthy tooth and bite alignment.
They Teach Your Child Good Oral Hygiene Habits Early On
You should begin to brush your child's baby teeth as soon as they arrive. This keeps teeth clean and healthy and helps your child acclimate to the feel of brushing their teeth. You'll help them at first and then teach them how to do it as they grow so that by the age of seven or eight, they can confidently brush and floss their teeth independently.
Consistent children's dentistry also helps protect your little one's precious smile and oral health.
Call Our Etobicoke Dental Clinic
Your child should have their first appointment with your Toronto children's dentist around the age of one or six months after their first teeth arrive. Your trusted family dentist at Toronto Lakeshore Dental is happy to meet your child and answer your questions about their oral health. Give us a call today if it's time to schedule their appointment.