A common phrases in a pediatric dentist's office is "Well do baby teeth really matter? They fall out anyways, right?" Luckily, as education and access to care has expanded over the years, we know that ignoring baby teeth can cause a lifetime of trouble. Over 40% of children will have a cavity by the time they are in preschool and nearly 25% of children from ages 2 to 5 already have cavities.
It's not your fault - we know you love your kids!
We understand that you love your kids and want to do what is best for them (and most of the time, they don't make that easy). It's easy to give in sometimes and skip brushing their teeth if they are hesitant, don't like their toothbrush, or if they've already fallen asleep before you see them. Sometimes you want to reward or give your little ones snacks constantly (especially if you're at home) and you're happy that they're eating and getting some nutrition. Unfortunately, all of these habits can put them at a high risk for developing cavities.
Once the teeth are damaged, you can't just pull them and vow to do better once their adult teeth come in. The front adult start coming in around age 6 but the replacements for the baby teeth in the back can often come in around age 8 or later. Without having the baby teeth as a placeholder, adjacent teeth can start to drift and interfere with permanent tooth development and growth. Studies have shown that a child's oral health can predict greater decay and disease once they are an adult! Keep your kids healthy and happy, starting with their teeth.
About the Author:
Dr. Peter Markov is a pediatric dentist in Arlington, Virginia. He provides advice on proper brushing, flossing, cleaning, healthy gums and other dental care for children. It's ideal to have your child visit Dr. Markov every 6 months or twice a year, starting at age 1 or when your children get their first teeth.
VK Pediatric Dentistry
5001 Lee Hwy, Arlington VA 22207