No matter one’s age, taking care of your teeth is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and a beautiful smile. Regarding your child’s baby teeth, even though they fall out, they’re still a significant part of their growth. Healthy baby teeth are a precursor for healthy adult teeth.
For more information about this, get in touch with an Irvine children’s dentist today!
Why are Baby Teeth Important?
As your child evolves and learns new habits, they require the necessary tools to help them succeed; this is why baby teeth are vital. They help your child learn to chew, talk, and smile.
Their permanent adult teeth erupt underneath their baby teeth after they’ve fallen out. If decay or trauma occurs to one’s baby teeth, their mature teeth could come in crooked, crowded, or damaged which, in turn, impacts how they bite. To learn more about such causes, talk to a pediatric dentist in Irvine.
Pediatric dentistry is a type of dental care that exclusively focuses on identifying, treating, and preventing conditions that impact the oral health of infants up to young adults. These professionals are trained in providing a wide array of services in addition to having an in-depth knowledge of child behaviour; they know how to engage with your child to keep them calm while they’re in the dental chair, as well as reassure their parents.
Contact our local dental clinic to speak to a children’s dentist near you. They’ll be able to address any questions and concerns you may have about your infant’s first dental visit and the progression of their oral health.
Tips for Taking Care of Baby Teeth
Once again, caring for your child’s baby teeth is crucial, as this directly impacts how their oral health is later on in life. That said, there are several things you can do to preserve the health of their teeth and mouth; to learn more, talk to an Irvine pediatric dentist.
- Clean your newborn’s gums. Wiping them with a damp cloth will keep them moist and free of bacteria.
- Don’t share salvia. This often occurs in the form of sharing spooks and cups with your baby. Transferring bacteria may result in the formation of cavities.
- Brush your baby’s teeth! When you bring your child in to see a pediatric dentist near you for the first time, they’ll be sure to go over the proper way to brush and floss. At home, help your child do this by brushing with them.
- Brush every day. Reinforcing good habits at home when your child is young will carry over into adulthood.
- Avoid bottles at bedtime. Constant bottle-sucking can increase the level of bacteria in your baby’s mouth.
- Stick with milk or formula. In comparison, juice typically has more sugar, and it’s best to reduce the amount of sugar your baby consumes to prevent cavities.
Finally, be sure to visit the dentist periodically for dental cleanings and checkups. They’ll be able to monitor your child’s oral health and let you know if any issues need to be treated.
Are you looking to get in touch with a children’s dentist in Irvine? Here at Irvine Orthodontics, we’ve got you covered! Call, come in, or visit our website to book an appointment today!