From the moment a child is born, parents should pay attention to their child’s oral health. Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, they still play an important role in a child’s oral hygiene. As permanent teeth are built on baby teeth, it is important to keep them healthy. As a parent, you should be responsible for many things starting with the first tooth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 530 million children are affected by dental caries of primary teeth (milk teeth). This is due to parents’ inattention to their children’s oral health. The parents believe that permanent teeth replace the milk teeth, and they don’t have any role. If you want to maintain healthy permanent teeth, it is important that you start taking care of your oral health from the beginning. Baby teeth have an impact on the development of permanent teeth as well as your overall oral health.
This blog will explain how children’s oral habits can affect their permanent teeth. How parents can ensure their child’s good oral health starting at the beginning. What is pediatric dentistry, or kids’ dentistry?
WHAT IS KID’S DENTISTRY?
Pediatric dentistry is a type of dentistry that treats children’s oral health. Pediatric dentists near me (or pedodontists) are specialists who diagnose and treat dental problems in children, teens, and infants. They will take care of your child’s dental health throughout their childhood and adolescence.
HOW ORAL HABITS OF A CHILD AFFECT PERMANENT TETH
A child’s oral health can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. It can also affect their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Bad oral health can lead to tooth decay, dental caries, and other problems. Every parent should take note of their child’s oral habits and make it mandatory for them to visit a pediatric dentist.
A survey found that 8 out of 10 Indian children suffer from poor oral and dental health. Plaque accumulation, gum inflammation, gum bleeding, gum bleeding, and white spots are the most common oral health problems in children. 70% of children don’t brush their teeth twice daily. This survey also revealed that 71% of children have never visited a pedodontist within a year. However, 81% of them suffer from serious oral health issues.
Let’s now examine how children’s oral habits impact their permanent teeth.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE
This is also known by the name nursing bottle caries, as babies drink milk and other sweet drinks. Breastfeeding can cause infants to fall asleep with milk in the mouth. This can lead to tooth decay and caries. When baby teeth become damaged or discolored, they can hinder the proper placement of permanent teeth. They can also lead to infection and crooked permanent teeth.
SUCKING of THUMB
Infants are not supposed to suck their thumbs, pacifiers, or toys. It becomes a problem when they continue to suck their thumb after five years. This is when permanent teeth can start to develop and may cause problems with their alignment. A misaligned upper or lower jaw, as well as difficulty with pronunciation, can all be problems for the child.
PREMATURE MILK TOOTH
It can be very dangerous for a baby to lose a milk tooth too early or prematurely due to tooth decay that occurs before permanent teeth are born. A nearby tooth could shift or tilt towards the space, causing problems in permanent tooth emergence. This could lead to misaligned or crooked teeth. If you visit a pediatric dentist, you will be able to get prompt assistance with his recommended therapy. This can keep the space open until the arrival of your permanent tooth.
USE OF SIPPY CUPS DURING THE DAY
Your child can have problems with their teeth if they are allowed to drink from a sipping cup or bottle that is filled with milk or other sweetened drinks all day. Too much sugar in drinks can cause tooth decay and caries. The saliva of the mouth doesn’t have enough time to clean it. To prevent tooth decay, limit sippy bottle use and let your child rinse their mouth with water after drinking sugary drinks.
NOT GIVING PREFERENCE TO VISIT A PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Consult or visit the nearby dentist to address any oral problem your child may have. Delaying a visit to the dentist is the main cause of serious problems. You can invite your child to have long-term dental problems if you put off a visit to the dentist. Your dentist will examine your child’s mouth and look for any oral problems. He can also guide you. Regular dental checkups will help prevent any future problems your child may face.
SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S DENTAL APPOINTMENT WITH CLOVE DENTAL
Our pediatric dentist can help you plan your appointment and provide guidance. Regular checkups are important, regardless of whether your child has any dental problems. It is possible to treat any dental problem in its early stages without causing further problems for your child. The dentist will recommend preventative measures for any future problems if your child has no dental issues.
