Primary teeth help with proper chewing and eating, speech development, and add to a good-looking appearance. Children who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently are happier. Strong primary teeth allow for the jaw bones and muscles to develop healthily and help permanent teeth grow comfortably into place. If a child loses a primary tooth too soon, his or her permanent teeth may grow in crooked and lead to expensive oral treatments later in life. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, and infections which can spread to their permanent teeth. Your child’s general health may also be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated in a timely fashion. Remember, some primary molars aren’t replaced until the ages of 10 to 14, so these baby teeth need to last for years.
Many parents ask us this question. We suggest that you prepare your child like you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. A trip to our office will not be the frightening experience you may remember or have heard of from other parents. If you are anxious about the trip, then the less you tell your child the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from your child (they have a sense for these things). We encourage you to look through a couple of the many books about dentists as an easy way to prepare. Your child’s reaction to his or her first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Early childhood and tooth decay no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we focus on all aspects of preventive oral care. We use the latest in sealant technology to shield your child’s teeth. Sealants are bonded to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent them from developing plaque buildup which can lead to tooth decay. This is just one of the many ways we will set the foundation for your child’s good oral health for the rest of their life.