Why it’s essential to take care of milk teeth

Trying to brush a toddler’s teeth is like wrestling a full-grown boa constrictor, which is why so many parents eventually give up on this nearly impossible task. But, if you don’t maintain a regular brushing routine with your little ones, cavities, speech challenges, and digestive problems could follow.

According to Dr Wilmari Kruger at The Gentle Dentist in Pretoria, teaching your child to take care of their oral and dental health is an investment in their future well-being and development.

“Parents often underestimate the importance of looking after milk teeth and are unaware that they serve various essential functions. For example, baby teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth. If these teeth must be extracted because of cavities, the gaps that are left cause the surrounding teeth to shift and misalign. When this happens, orthodontic treatment becomes necessary when permanent teeth appear.”

Baby teeth also help children pronounce sounds correctly and develop proper speech. Gaps affect how they speak and can result in language development problems later and necessitate speech therapy.

Chewing food properly helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. “If a child has dental issues that affect their ability to chew, it can impact their digestive health,” says Wilmari.

So, what can parents do to successfully tame the boa constrictor? Here are a few tips:

• Clean your baby’s mouth using a clean, damp facecloth after each feeding. As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for two minutes twice a day.
• Use an age-appropriate toothpaste with fluoride, as indicated on the tube, and add a fluoride-containing mouthwash once your child turns six.
• Make your brushing routine exciting. You can make up a special song, let your toddler choose a fun toothbrush, or do a little dance together once they’ve brushed their teeth. You can also create a weekly brushing chart, award a star for each tear-free brushing session,and give a small reward such as a fun activity at the end of the week. 
• Help smaller children. If your child isn’t old enough to tie their shoelaces, they’ll need your help brushing their teeth. This video demonstrates the correct techniques.
• Start flossing daily from age two to three or as soon as your child has two teeth next to each other.
• Limit sugary snacks, juices, and fizzy drinks, as sugar contributes to tooth decay.
• Encourage a nutrient-rich diet with calcium-rich foods such as dairy products and leafy greens. Calcium protects and strengthens tooth surfaces.
• Teach your child to drink enough water to help rinse the mouth and maintain saliva flow, which neutralises acid and prevents dry mouth.

To ensure that your child’s teeth remain radiant little pearls and to lay a solid foundation for good health and well-being, schedule a visit to the dentist every six months for preventive care, such as fissure sealants, polishing, and fluoride treatment, and to identify potential problems.

Sources:  The Gentle Dentist
                 Healthychildren.org
                 Mayo Clinic