Why milk teeth are important from our dentist

Did you know that milk teeth are important? They may not be as flashy as their permanent counterparts, but they play a crucial role in the development of a child’s mouth. Here at our Dentist in Ipswich. Let’s explore the reasons why milk teeth are so important.

The role of milk teeth

Milk teeth are important for many reasons. They help children learn to chew and speak correctly. They also help protect the permanent teeth that come in later. Milk teeth act as spacers for the permanent teeth, and help guide them into the correct position. Additionally, milk teeth serve as an important indicator of a child’s overall health. For example, if a child’s milk teeth come in late or are yellow or brown, this can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Therefore, it is important to take care of milk teeth and to see our team if there are any concerns.

The importance of keeping milk teeth healthy

It may seem clear that it is important to keep milk teeth healthy so they can continue to function properly, but this was not always so. Historically, milk teeth were ignored and in many modern cultures, little care or thought is given to them, just because they are temporary.  Milk teeth play an important role in children’s development, both physically and emotionally.

The first milk teeth to come through are usually the two bottom front teeth (the central incisors), followed by the two top front teeth (the lateral incisors). These four teeth usually appear between six and twelve months of age. By the time a child is two-and-a-half to three years old, they will have a full set of twenty milk teeth.

They also hold space in the jaw for the adult teeth that will eventually come through. If a child loses a milk tooth too early, the surrounding teeth can start to move into the empty space. This can cause problems with the adult teeth when they come through, as they may not have enough space and could become crowded.

How to care for milk teeth

See our dentist in Ipswich for regular checkups. If you notice any problems with your child’s milk teeth, get it checked out right away. Adult treatments like filling and other interventions are not used on milk teeth; there are several preventative options like high fluoride varnishing.

Here are some tips for caring for your child’s milk teeth:

1. Brush regularly. Just like with adult teeth, it’s important to brush milk teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and prevent cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. You can also use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
2. Eat healthy foods. A balanced diet is important for overall health, including dental health. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, which can increase the risk of cavities.
3. Don’t delay dental visits. Schedule a visit to our dentist in Ipswich when your child’s first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Regular checkups will help ensure that teeth are developing properly and identify any problems early on.

If milk teeth are not kept healthy, they can fall out early, which can cause problems with speech and eating. It is important to keep milk teeth healthy so your child can have a healthy smile for life!