Primary teeth are important to
- Allow for proper chewing and eating
- Hold space for permanent teeth as they move into the correct position
- Permit normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
- Aid in the development of speech
- Add to an attractive appearance
Poor diet, poor habits of food intake and inadequate tooth brushing habits during the first 2 years of life have been related to tooth decay in children. The development of caries in primary teeth further increases the risk of developing caries in permanent teeth.
Therefore it is essential to establish a proper oral hygiene routine early in life to help ensure the development of strong and healthy teeth.
Bad Oral Habits In Kids
There is a belief among many parents that kids have to see a dentist only when their child experiences a dental problem. Like adults children should visit the dentist every six months and if they are at risk of tooth decay, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
Parents mistakenly think this is harmless but it is important to teach your kid that it is a bad dental habit. Excessive intake of fluoride through swallowing toothpaste can cause brown or white spots on the child’s teeth called fluorosis.
if no steps are taken to discourage your child from thumb sucking, then it will cause misalignment of the teeth by shifting them forward. This can lead to later problems with speech, pronunciation, difficulty chewing, and cleaning. For most children it may require orthodontic treatment to correct the concern.
A pacifier use can also be bad for your child’s oral health by hindering normal tooth and jaw development. Your child should discontinue use a pacifier by about age 1, in the best interest of oral health later.
You should never allow your kids to go to bed with a bottle full of milk or juice. The sugars in these drinks cause affect on the enamel of teeth leading to dental decay and discolored teeth as they get older.