Children usually get their first tooth at around seven months of age. In between seven months and 3 years old, your child will have his or her teeth start poking through the gums as they go through the teething process. Your child’s teeth will begin to start falling out around 6 years old and they could keep these “baby teeth” until they are as old as 12 of 13. Since these teeth are considered “temporary,” why should you care about what happens to them? They will just fall out and get replaced, right? It’s not that big of a deal.
Not exactly. First of all, your child needs their teeth to chew. If your son or daughter gets a cavity in one of their first teeth, there’s no question that it will slowly increase in size if it doesn’t get filled. This can quickly cause your child pain and discomfort, and even lead to infection if not properly treated. Your child may even need a crown or nerve treatment. Acting while a cavity is small sets your child up for success. Getting your child’s tooth filled is actually better than removing it in many cases during youth, even though it will later be replaced by adult teeth. In fact, removing a tooth could be more harmful than helpful.
If a child’s tooth is pulled too early, it could lead to crowding in your child’s mouth. This may lead to unnatural tooth growth problems that can be very difficult to correct later on. Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders for their adult teeth. Do you want to set your child up for failure long term? The health of your child’s teeth in their youngest years sets the tone for the long term. Studies have shown that around 24 percent of 2 year olds have visited the dentist. But what about the other 76 percent?
Of course, diet also plays a factor. Children who eat large amounts of sugar or starch are more prone to getting cavities. The number of times a day a child eats sugar is actually worse than quantity. The reason sugar causes cavities is because it prevents saliva from actually cleaning the teeth. Juices can also cause problems, even if they’re diluted. If you are leaving your child with a sippy cup, make sure it’s filled with water, not juice.
Beyond brushing and building a healthy regimen of daily dental care, what else can you do to prevent cavities? Your child is born without the germs that can lead to tooth decay in their mouths. So where do they come from? The answer is you. Of course, you wouldn’t want to intentionally infect your child with bacteria. It starts off harmless; feeding your child with a spoon that you used or letting your child use your toothbrush to brush his teeth. If you are prone to cavities, though, the bacteria inside your mouth can spread to your child, leading to an increased risk.
To help foster healthy habits early, try encouraging your child to brush their teeth with you. Children often follow the examples they see, and if you brush your teeth together, your child will probably have better oral hygiene than if you do not. The earlier oral hygiene is emphasized, the less likely it is that your child will get a cavity.
Of course, regular dental appointments are vital, too. If your child is ready for their first visit or due for their next appointment, give us a call today at 585-343-1113 or schedule an appointment conveniently online now.