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Baby Teeth are IMPORTANT!

Baby Teeth!

Too often we have heard that baby teeth are unimportant, we hear: “they are going to fall out anyway.” Don’t Forget To Brush Your Teeth (DFTBYT) teaches children the importance of healthy baby teeth and asks them to make the choice to keep their teeth forever and ever.  We teach skills for lifelong dental health. With more and more medical information emerging stating the importance of dental health on the whole body, this knowledge becomes even more significant.

Actually, baby teeth are very important and valuable. Not only do the baby teeth make chewing and eating foods possible for proper nutrition, but they also:

  • Provide an attractive and healthy smile which promotes self esteem.
  • Maintain the space for the adult teeth (also called permanent teeth) and help with proper positioning of the adult teeth.
  • They allow you to speak properly and clearly.
  • Help with the normal development of jaw bones and facial muscles.
  • Are important to your child’s overall health. Keeping baby teeth healthy helps to prevent dental infections, cavities, pain and trauma

At 6 months of age, the first baby teeth usually start to come in and the last baby teeth may not be lost until age 12. That’s a long time to keep the 20 baby teeth healthy! Start today!

Melissa Holmes, Dental Hygienist

It is very important to start caring for your child’s teeth at a young age. You want to have good dental hygiene habits from a very early age. The best way to take care of your teeth is to brush 3 times a day for 2 minutes each session. You should also floss your children’s teeth every day until such time that they can correctly floss on their own. See your dentist regularly; most children should have their first dental check up when they turn 1. If you are concerned or have questions, see your dentist. Together we can make positive dental memories for your children!    

Dr. William F. Schneider

After 36 years of treating patients of all ages, it still makes me extremely sad when I see children with dental problems. Dental issues are the #2 reason children miss school in Ontario and the #1 reason in the United States.  It is essential that parents promote the importance of dental hygiene for their children’s baby teeth.  Parents you are the best role model, brush and floss your teeth. Make it a fun family time. Show your children that you care about both your teeth and their teeth.

I often refer to baby teeth as the “training wheels” for children to learn great lifelong habits of dental health and hygiene. The most economical dental insurance is a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.  By using these three products faithfully, and watching your children’s intake of sugary foods and drinks, you can make the difference. Your children can have cavity free baby and adult teeth! There are dental programs for children, ask your dentist if your children qualify for assistance if needed.

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net