Your
toddler is learning to walk, talk, and even feed. To be
sure their mouth is healthy and ready to speak clearly,
see if they are getting full benefit from the food that
actually makes it into their mouth. Find out what to
look out for during those frequent visits to a pediatric
dentist.
Benefits of a Fixing Primary
(Baby) Teeth
Primary teeth hold space for and guide permanent
teeth into their proper position.
If a
primary tooth, especially a back primary tooth
(molar) is extracted (pulled) early, a space
maintainer is needed. A space maintainer holds
space so that a permanent tooth will have a slot to
come in to. The back primary molars are lost
around age twelve.
If
cavities are not fixed when they are small, they can
get very large and get into the nerve of a primary
tooth causing pain and infection. Children
have been hospitalized with facial infections
resulting from infected (abscessed) teeth. It
is recommended that cavities be fixed in primary
teeth to prevent pain, swelling and infection.
Front primary teeth are important to how a child
looks. Young children are developing a
self-image. Healthy teeth and a pretty smile
should be a big part of their self-image.
Children with healthy
mouths chew more easily and gain more nutrients from
the foods they eat.
These children learn
to speak more quickly and clearly.
These children have a
better chance of general health because disease in
the mouth can endanger the rest of the body.
A healthy body is
attractive and can help children form a positive
self-image. A bright smile can help win the
confidence of peers and teachers.
Healthy teeth save
time and money. Preventive dentistry far less
expensive than restorative (fillings & crowns)
dentistry, so keep those six-month check-up/dental
cleaning appointments. Most dental cavities
are preventable with sealants, good diet habits and
good oral hygiene.
Awesome video showing how to teach your preschooler to
brush their teeth
Dental
Care: Preschooler