Every parent wants the best for his or her child. That’s why you should teach healthy habits to your child as soon as possible. When it comes to your child’s teeth, there’s a lot you can do to help. Some parents think baby teeth don’t matter much. They’re just “training wheels” or a practice run for adult teeth. We at Janz Family Dental, however, would recommend against thinking of your kid’s first teeth in this way. As a children’s dentist in West Edmonton, we like to do everything we can to help protect your children’s oral health, including giving you information about the importance of baby teeth.
How do baby teeth help my child grow?
Your child’s baby teeth aren’t just for practice. They’re an important part of his or her most formative years. Even before your child’s first visit to the dentist, his or her teeth and gums need to be protected. A few things healthy baby teeth help your child with include:
- Creating a spot for the adult teeth. Your child’s body is constantly changing, and that includes his or her face and jaw. If there are unhealthy or missing teeth in your child’s mouth, your child’s other teeth will begin to shift as a result, making the path for the adult teeth more difficult.
- Preventing gum disease. Even if your baby’s teeth will fall out, his or her gums won’t. Good oral health includes taking care of both the teeth and gums regularly.
- Learning how to speak and to chew. Teeth are an essential part of learning a lot of basic human activities, such as speaking, smiling, and eating.
- Beginning healthy habits. It’s never too early to support your child’s healthy habits. Learning how to be responsible for one’s hygiene early in life is a great foundation for lifelong oral health.
What can I do to help protect my child’s baby teeth?
There’s a lot parents can do to help their child’s baby teeth, including:
- Brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. Even before that, you should wipe your child’s gums with a damp cloth regularly to clean the mouth.
- Be a good role model. Your children learn a lot of their most valuable lessons by watching what you do. If you have good oral health habits and a positive attitude, your children are more likely to as well.
- Visiting the dentist regularly. Taking the time to regularly visit a kid’s dentist in Edmonton is essential to oral health. A children’s dentist can help identify problem areas before they become serious and teach your child about proper oral health routines.
Contact Janz Family Dental in Edmonton today. Find out how a dentist at Janz Family Dental can help your child take the best first step possible when it comes to oral health.
