Healthy Baby Teeth Can Ensure Healthy Permanent Teeth
>> Aug 1, 2017
Baby
teeth are the very first set of teeth infants start to grow as early as six
months old. The majority of children grow a full set of teeth, or more
precisely, a set of baby teeth by the time they reach the age of three.
However, infant and toddler teeth are at high risk of decay from the very
beginning of their existence, which is why it is essential that these teeth are taken care of as soon as they emerge.
According
to Research Gate, in Indonesia, 27.8% of children aged 5 to 9 years do not brush their teeth, which poses a grave dental
health problem and can have a negative health impact, as well as emotional, and
social effects in the long run. As a final resort, one of the most common
occurrences in a great number of cases is the removal of bad baby teeth, due to
the severity of the decay. Although it might seem like a good and only
solution, one of the drawbacks of premature loss of baby teeth is the lack of
guidance of permanent teeth, as confirmed by one of the leading oral care
centers - Colgate. Consequently, this results in misaligned permanent teeth and
even gum irritation that can cause unpleasant pain and discomfort in the
child’s adulthood.
What
can parents do to help prevent the decay of baby teeth?
Even
though it might sound like a cliché, brushing teeth on a regular
basis will keep them clean and healthy. Parents should pay attention to
their baby’s oral hygiene soon after birth; this means that even before the
very first baby tooth pushes through, parents should rub their baby’s gums with
a soft wet gauze at least once a day. Once the baby’s first teeth push through,
a soft toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste will suffice to
ensure their healthy growth and longevity.
Naturally,
no parent should expect their toddler to master this routine at an early age,
which is why they should continually assist their young ones during the
process. Furthermore, besides the practice of regularly brushing teeth (at least twice a day), parents should also pay close
attention to their child’s calcium intake,
as it can greatly contribute to their dental health. According to Jakarta
Globe, Indonesians consume only about 12 liters of milk per year, which is,
needless to say, an insufficient amount. However, this problem is being
addressed, and statistics on Ca+ consumption in Indonesia is expected to
significantly improve in no time, which will naturally also benefit the overall
oral health in the nation.
When
should a child go for their first dental check-up?
A
great number of parents make the mistake of waiting for the child’s first
dental visit until he or she starts school, or till they are in severe pain due
to tooth decay. To avoid such an inconvenience, make sure to schedule an
appointment as soon as the first baby teeth appear, and continue regular visits
to your dentist. Ideally, your child should go for a check-up every 5 to 6
months. Furthermore, make sure that you do not wait until the tooth is beyond
saving, but address the problem as soon as it arises.
Preserving
your child’s baby teeth matters. It might take some extra time and financial
investment, but it is definitely worth it, as it will help you and your young
one avoid a tremendous amount of worry and (oral) health problems in the
future.
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