Your child’s primary (baby) teeth can affect the future of their smile. Our job is to help them establish a strong oral health foundation that follows them into adulthood. Their primary teeth serve as placeholders for their permanent ones. If a primary tooth is lost prematurely, the remaining teeth may shift out of their proper position. This can lead to eruption problems with permanent teeth. Permanent teeth usually erupt between the ages of six and 12.
It is important to make sure your child has a proper oral hygiene routine, as children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay. Be sure they are brushing their teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bed. They should also floss their teeth once a day to remove excess food debris and plaque.
Diet and nutrition can also affect your child’s oral health. The harmful bacteria in plaque love to feed on sugars and other simple carbohydrates. Be sure to limit your child’s exposure to sugary snacks and drinks. If they do need a snack, fruits and vegetables are a healthy alternative to chips, cookies, and candies.