Every single one of us has had, baby teeth. And even though they only form our smile for a short time, they are still an essential part of developing a healthy, properly functioning smile for the rest of our lives.
If your baby’s teeth have begun to erupt, or you’re simply looking for more information about how to care for them, get in touch with our dentist in McKenzie Towne. They’ll be able to assist you in any way that you need.
Baby Teeth 101
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, are your very first teeth. Every baby will come to have 20 baby teeth. Though they’re already present in the mouth, residing below the gums in the jaw, they emerge when the baby is between 6 and 12 months old.
When your baby’s teeth begin to appear, it’s important to remember that this may cause their mouths to be sore. Using a wet cloth or square piece of gauze, gently wipe the inside of your baby’s oral cavity. As your baby grows older, you’ll need to introduce them to using toothpaste and how to scrub their upper and bottom teeth as well as the top, bottom, and back of their mouths. They should be brushing twice a day.
When you bring your baby in to see their dentist in McKenzie Towne, the dentist will perform a “wellness check”, meaning they’ll examine their mouth for signs of cavities or infections and educate parents on how to look after their baby’s teeth, and address habits like thumb-sucking.
Book an appointment to book your child’s first visit to the dentist or receive continued dental care for your child with your dentistSE Calgary in McKenzie Towne.
Baby Teeth are Important for Children for/to:
- Eating. All children need to consume foods that are healthy like fruits and veggies. Baby teeth help your child break down their food properly so they can swallow and digest it easily.
- Speaking clearly. Loosing baby teeth prematurely can lead to difficulties making sounds and pronunciations of words. Not only does this make it harder to understand what your baby is trying to say, but this may result in the need for speech therapy later if this issue isn’t addressed early on.
- Holds space for mature teeth. Healthy, well-cared for baby teeth contributes to the development of healthy adult teeth. Baby teeth hold the space for these teeth to come in, which erupt from our jawbones. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the remaining teeth can shift into that gap, causing crowding, impacting, and a crooked smile.
- Staying healthy. Baby teeth provide children with the opportunity to not only learn about their oral health, but actively prioritize it. After all, if a baby tooth becomes infected, this may contribute to decay, fever, and pain. If the infection isn’t sufficiently and quickly treated, it can spread to other areas of your child’s mouth and body.
- Self-confidence. Children, just like teenagers and adults, are also aware of what they look like. Unhealthy baby teeth is attributable to bad breath and an unaligned smile; as a result, they may avoid smiling or even participating in activities with their friends.
For more information about this, or if you have any concerns, be sure to give a dentist near you a call.
Book an Appointment at South Trail Crossing Today!
If you’re looking to acquire dental treatment for your child in SE Calgary near McKenzie Towne, we encourage you to come to our local dental office. Our friendly, capable team of dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff are all eager to welcome you and your family, and equally as excited to be a part of your baby’s oral health journey.
Introducing your baby to the dentist early in their lives is important, as it allows them to learn about their own well-being and helps them feel more comfortable while sitting in the dentist’s chair.
Are you ready to schedule a visit? Call us, head to our website and fill out the form, or feel free to drop by our practice. We can’t wait to work with you and your family very soon!