Have you ever been called a diphyodont [dif-ee-uh-dont]? Don’t take offense because it’s true! A diphyodont has two successive sets of teeth: primary teeth (baby teeth) and deciduous (permanent) teeth. You may believe that baby teeth don’t really matter since they are ultimately replaced by permanent teeth. Nothing could be further from the truth!
What’s the Big Deal About Baby Teeth?
Your child’s baby teeth are incredibly important when it comes to major developmental milestones like eating solid foods and learning to talk. They also set the stage for permanent teeth and help your child learn healthy oral hygiene habits. We want to share some tips for caring for your child’s teeth from the get go to ensure they grow up with a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
Develop Healthy Habits Early On
Your child should have their first visit to our office around the time they get their first tooth, or near their first birthday. This helps your child feel comfortable with the dentist, staff and office environment. It allows you to ask questions about what you can expect as your child’s mouth starts to fill up with new teeth.
Teach Your Child the Importance of Oral Hygiene
For the first few years of your child’s life, help them brush and floss their teeth. When children get older and take responsibility for their own oral hygiene, continue to monitor them. Some children go to great lengths to convince parents they have brushed when they really haven’t!
Healthy Baby Teeth = Healthy Big Kid Smile
Neglected baby teeth can create problems as permanent teeth develop. For example, permanent teeth may come in out of alignment if a baby tooth is lost too early as a result of bad oral hygiene. This can create a cascade of problems down the line. Teach good oral hygiene habits from the start to ensure that your child grows up with a healthy smile.