Are baby teeth a big deal? Some parents don’t think so and don’t think teeth that are going just to fall out anyway need to really be maintained. But, the fact of the matter is, baby teeth, like all teeth, need to be cared for just like the adult or permanent teeth. But, it’s not just about brushing and flossing (yes, flossing!) little teeth, it’s also about making sure your child’s bite is healthy, they’re breathing correctly and how their jaws fit together when their mouth is closed, too. These are some of the things we talk about when we talk to parents when they visit us at Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas.
Let’s just get this part out of the way; just like adult teeth, you really need to brush your child’s baby teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once per day. If you fail to take care of baby teeth properly, they could decay, resulting in the need for removal, which could negatively impact speech, eating, or drinking.
Beyond thinking about brushing their teeth, have you ever thought about how your child’s teeth are spaced, how their face is growing, or about if they’re breathing correctly? These things are all important to your child’s oral and overall health. One key part of your child’s health is how their facial structure has developed. As your child’s facial structure grows, it should do so in such a way that the face grows wider horizontally versus longer. A wider face allows for proper space needed between the teeth, allowing enough room for the adult teeth to emerge, which happens until about the age of 12.
If the face does not develop properly (wider versus longer), this can negatively impact several things, including:
When facial growth is impacted, a whole host of problems can develop, including:
Are you seeing these effects in your child or are concerned about their facial development, tooth spacing, or airway? It’s time to call Millennium Smiles in Frisco, Texas. Call 972-468-8771 now to schedule a consultation.