Many parents still believe that primary teeth or ‘milk teeth’ are not important because they fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. This belief, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only do primary teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also assist in establishing a path that the permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
The primary molars, which are generally the last of the primary teeth to fall out, are typically only replaced by their permanent successors at about 12 years of age.
Early neglect of primary teeth can result in numerous problems.
Tooth decay in children can rapidly lead to pain and infection which can further adversely affect the adult tooth developing under the baby tooth. If a child’s primary molar tooth requires early extraction due to severe tooth decay, the guide for the permanent successor will be lost. The remaining space available for the permanent tooth can potentially be reduced, often resulting in crowding or misalignment of the permanent teeth. Finally, a study, done by Petersen et al. in 2005, concluded that in most small children early childhood caries is associated with reduced growth and reduced weight gain due to insufficient food consumption to meet the metabolic and growth needs of children less than 2 years old. Oral health influences children physically and psychologically, and impacts on how they look, speak, chew, grow, taste food, and socialize, as well as their emotional state of social well-being. These very reasons highlight the importance of establishing good oral habits at a young age together with ensuring early detection and treatment of dental disease.
Finally, a study, done by Petersen et al. in 2005, concluded that in most small children early childhood caries is associated with reduced growth and reduced weight gain due to insufficient food consumption to meet the metabolic and growth needs of children less than 2 years old. Oral health influences children physically and psychologically, and impacts on how they look, speak, chew, grow, taste food, and socialize, as well as their emotional state of social well-being. These very reasons highlight the importance of establishing good oral habits at a young age together with ensuring early detection and treatment of dental disease.
Are you concerned about the condition of your child’s primary teeth?. Visit our dental studio or click here to book an appointment.
