Love those tiny teeth

Lifelong dental health is something everyone should take seriously and should start before a child’s first birthday.

The popular misconception that primary teeth aren’t as important, because they aren’t permanent, contributes to the reason dental disease is the most common childhood chronic illness and unmet health need for children in the United States.

Baby teeth might not last forever, but they aren’t expendable. Untreated cavities can cause serious, immediate harm and negatively affect how a young mouth develops.

Critical direct effects on children with untreated cavities are pain, school absences, difficulty concentrating and poor appearance — problems that greatly affect a child’s quality of life and ability to succeed.

Additionally, primary teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for permanent teeth to find room when they appear. This can make teeth crooked or crowded.

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