Baby teeth, also known as “first teeth,” play a crucial role in the development of a child’s oral health. These small, white allies of your child are not only adorable but also serve an important function in ensuring proper growth and development.

5 important facts parents should know about baby teeth:

1. Proper development of dental arches and speech:

Baby teeth not only help with chewing, but they also play a crucial role in the proper development of dental arches and bite alignment. This process is essential for the later development of your child’s speech and may influence the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

2. Importance of regular brushing:

Even though baby teeth are temporary, maintaining proper oral hygiene from an early age is extremely important. Regular brushing with a child-friendly toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities and keeps teeth healthy. Teaching children the importance of caring for their baby teeth early on lays the foundation for lifelong oral health. Through play and educational activities, you can encourage a positive attitude toward brushing and dental visits.

Educational activities to encourage children to brush their teeth:

• “Cavity Hunter” Game – Give your child a toothbrush and a toy, and let them become a “cavity hunter.” Encourage them to brush their teeth thoroughly while playing with the toy, stimulating creativity at the same time.
• “Little Dentist” – Turn your child’s room into an imaginary dental office. Provide toys such as stuffed animals with teeth, and encourage your child to play “little dentist,” taking care of the toys’ teeth.
• “Tooth Research Journal” – Encourage your child to keep a tooth research journal. Each week, they can record how well they cared for their teeth by drawing smiles or using stickers to mark successful brushing moments.

3. The importance of proper nutrition

Nutrition directly impacts oral health. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins is essential for the proper growth and mineralization of baby teeth.

• Dairy Products – rich in calcium and phosphorus to strengthen tooth enamel
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids
• Whole Grains – fiber promotes chewing and naturally helps clean teeth
• Meat and Fish – sources of protein and vitamin D
• Eggs – contain vitamin D and calcium, essential nutrients for healthy teeth

4. Visiting the dentist from an early age

Regular dental visits should become a routine from early childhood. This helps maintain oral health, enables early diagnosis of potential problems, and educates parents on proper care for their child’s teeth. Cavities in baby teeth are common, but with proper prevention, they can be avoided.

How to encourage your child to visit the dentist:

• Positive stories about the dentist – Emphasize that the dentist helps maintain healthy teeth and that visits are important.
• Talking about the importance of teeth – Explain to your child why keeping their teeth healthy matters for a beautiful smile.
• Using positive words – Instead of words like “pain” or “fear,” focus on terms like “health” or “cleanliness.”
• Sharing experiences with friends – Children often feel reassured knowing that others have gone through the same experience.
• Rewards after visits – You can promise a small reward, such as a favorite meal or a cartoon, after a successful appointment.
• Visiting a child-friendly dentist – If possible, choose a dentist known for working well with children.
• Watching educational videos – age-appropriate videos explaining dental visits can help children understand what to expect.

5. The process of losing baby teeth

The natural process of losing baby teeth marks the transition to permanent teeth. Talk to your child about this process to reduce fear and encourage a positive attitude toward oral health. Provide emotional support and create a positive experience. Caring for baby teeth is crucial for your child’s long-term oral health. Establishing proper dental habits from an early age not only ensures healthy teeth but also promotes overall well-being for your little one.

INFOGRAPHIC: Each baby tooth emerges at a different time, and this process can be divided into five stages.

This infographic is a great reminder for parents to know when to expect each stage of tooth eruption. It can also serve as a diary to record the dates when each tooth appears. It’s an excellent resource to introduce the story of the Tooth Fairy and help children become familiar with their baby teeth.

Authors: Dr. Antonija Jurela, DMD, Orthodontic Specialist, and Marija Hadjić, Dental Assistant
Source: maminkutak.com