Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Baby Teeth

Baby teeth don’t need any special care. They will fall out anywayRight? Wrong! Tooth decay can start as soon as your baby’s teeth come in, typically by the age of 6 months. Cavities in baby teeth can cause infection, discomfort, and pain.

If you don’t get the baby teeth treated, dental problems can affect your child’s oral health. The bigger the tooth problem, the harder it is to eat. Therefore, hindering the child’s nutrient intake and natural growth.

In other words, there is more to baby teeth than meets the eye. And you will be surprised to learn some of the fun facts about baby teeth we rounded up here for you. To keep your child’s teeth in excellent shape, check out the information below.

Caries in Baby Teeth Are More Common Than You Realize

There is a common misconception that baby teeth don’t need fillings, as they are temporary. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, must be treated. This is the most common chronic dental problem in childhood, affecting 55% of third graders and 40% of kindergartners in Colorado. And the regular consumption of fruit juice is a typical culprit. So, inspire your child to drink water instead and less sugar-sweetened beverages. 

Bananas Can Make the Tooth Enamel Stronger

While fruits for baby teeth are super healthy, some can hinder oral health more than others. Overindulging in citrus fruit has high acidity. So, eating too many foods like pineapples, lemons, and limes can weaken baby teeth and erode the tooth’s enamel.

Bananas are different. They are high on the pH scale, meaning they are not that acidic. Instead of damaging the tooth’s enamel, they can strengthen it. So, opting for bananas can make for a worthwhile choice. Mainly for reducing plaque buildup.

The First Tooth Can Appear at 6 Months to a Year

Not all babies get their first tooth at the same time. Most children have all of their baby teeth by the time they turn 3. But, if there have been some delays, don’t worry. Talk to your dentist. Baby teeth eruption can be delayed if your family has a history of late teething.

But, it could also be the result of low birth weight, premature birth, malnutrition, and other health issues. Book an appointment with your dentist if your child is missing teeth by the age of 4. The dentist will determine the next step to improving your child’s dental health. (4)

Breastfed Babies for 6 Months Are 72% less likely To Have Crooked Teeth

Breastfeeding has a plethora of dental benefits. It can curb the risk of baby bottle tooth decay, which is linked to teeth being exposed to sugary drinks for a long time. The antibodies in breastmilk could also aid in decreasing bacteria growth that triggers tooth decay.

As you can see, baby teeth require adequate care and treatment. So, make your baby’s first dental appointment as soon as the first tooth comes out. That way, you can reduce the odds of dental problems, tooth pain, and discomfort.

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