We've seen decay in patients of all ages, however today we'll speak about the importance of taking care of teeth at an early age. At times we've heard parents refer to "baby" teeth or primary teeth as a child practice set. This is not the case! Its important for parents to brush and care for their children's teeth until the child can do a good job on their own.
At birth, all teeth are present in the jaw already - even though one cannot see them. The purpose of the primary teeth (other than to chew) are to keep the space in the jaw for the future, adult teeth.
When a primary tooth is lost too early there can be consequences down the line with adult teeth. "The permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked or crowded. That’s why starting infants off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for decades to come. The ADA recommends that parents take children to a dentist no later than their first birthday and then at intervals recommended by their dentist." -American Dental Association
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We see patients of all ages! If you have any concerns about your oral health or your children's - give us a call :)
