Many parents think baby teeth are unimportant. They believe they'll fall out on their own and be replaced by permanent teeth. However, baby teeth actually play a vital role in a child's oral health and overall development.
Understand the Importance of Keeping Baby Teeth Healthy
Maintaining healthy baby teeth from an early age isn't just about preventing toothaches, but also about laying a strong foundation for healthy permanent teeth in the future. Why are baby teeth important? They not only play a role in eating and speaking, but also maintain space for permanent teeth in the mouth.
If baby teeth fall out prematurely due to severe decay or fallout, permanent teeth may grow crooked or crowded.
The Function of Baby Teeth for Children
Baby teeth also aid in speech development in your little one. Some letter sounds require coordination between the tongue, oral muscles, and teeth to be produced. If any of these components are damaged, especially baby teeth, it can interfere with your little one's pronunciation and word formation.
What Happens If Baby Teeth Are Damaged?
Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child's growth and development. Unfortunately, many parents still underestimate the damage to their baby teeth, believing they will be replaced by permanent teeth. However, damage to baby teeth can have serious consequences. Understand what can happen if baby teeth are not cared for:
- Disrupts the eating process : Damage to baby teeth can make it difficult for your little one to chew food properly.
- Triggering recurring coughs and colds : Problematic teeth can be a source of infection that triggers other health problems, such as coughs and colds.
- Risk of causing stunting : If left untreated for a long time, damage to baby teeth can cause stunting due to disrupted nutritional intake.
- Causes infection and pain : Damaged baby teeth can cause infection, pain, and swelling due to pus.
- Interfering with the growth of permanent teeth : Infection under a baby tooth can affect the growth of the developing permanent tooth bud.
- Causes trauma in children : When teeth are in an acute condition or feel very painful, children tend to be more difficult to treat and can become afraid to go to the dentist.
Tips for Caring for Children's Baby Teeth
So, how should parents take care of baby teeth?
- Clean the baby's oral cavity from birth using gauze and warm boiled water.
- When the first teeth come in, clean them with a silicone toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Adjust the type of toothbrush to the age and number of teeth that have grown in your child.
- Avoid the habit of children sleeping while breastfeeding directly or using a milk bottle.
- Limit consumption of sweet foods and drinks that contain sugar.
- Have regular check-ups with your dentist every six months.
Baby teeth are temporary, but their role and impact are long-term. Maintaining the health of baby teeth from an early age is the first step in ensuring a healthy body and healthy, straight, and strong permanent teeth in the future.
Let's get into the habit of maintaining daily oral and dental hygiene for our children. And if you notice any signs of damage, pain, or other problems, consult a dentist immediately for appropriate treatment. A healthy smile starts with proper care.
Article written by drg. Messya Rachmani Sp.KGA (Pediatric Dentistry Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).