It is impossible to overstate the significance of the smile of a child.
Decayed, broken or discoloured teeth easily affect self confidence, and
self-esteem, which is so important in today’s world.

Children notice even the slightest oddity in others, so it is important
for your child’s self-esteem and confidence for them to appear just
like the other kids. When a child has noticeably different front teeth,
they are at a risk of being teased by the other kids. Furthermore, the
jaws and gums can become infected if the primary teeth are neglected,
which can cause acute pain, and the child’s overall health can be
negatively affected. Baby teeth that are not taken care of and start to
decay could result in gum problems that can affect the permanent teeth
behind them.

With today’s advanced dental technology, your child should not have to
suffer from these painful and disfiguring conditions that can even have
an adverse affect on the personality. The first thing you need to do is
identify any existing problems, correct them and then learn how to
prevent further problems.

Primary teeth may be referred to as temporary or baby teeth and are
very important to a child’s health and functioning. While the first
permanent tooth appears around age five, they must continue functioning
for many years to come. Our permanent teeth come in to fill the space
of our primary teeth, and therefore, the baby teeth hold the place for
the permanent teeth that will follow. If your child loses a baby tooth
too soon, the other teeth could close the space and not allow enough
room for the permanent tooth to grow out, or cause other orthodontic
issues. Temporary teeth are necessary for proper jaw development, they
aid in chewing and speaking, and they are important for aesthetic
reasons.

Some babies and toddlers suffer from Early Childhood Caries (ECC),
which is a type of decay. It generally begins by affecting the upper
front teeth and can later ruin other teeth as they come through the
gums. Because they lie in such close proximity to the salivary glands,
the lower incisors are usually not affected by the decay. Most parents
do not notice the muted band of white on the gum line that first
appears with ECC.

Those white lines are simply the precursor to caveties that will
surround the neck of each tooth with a brown or black decay.
Additionally, you will notice the teeth appear dull, lackluster and
brown to the eye. There are even cases where the teeth are actually
destroyed, leaving behind nothing but brownish-black root stumps.
Abscesses also known as gum boils are often seen.

The cause is due to the frequent exposure of teeth to sugary liquids.
Among these are milk formula, breast milk and artificial juices. These
sugars provide food for a group of bacteria called mutatis streptococci
which produce acids that attack the teeth.

It is possible for decay to spread from one tooth to another, or from
parent to child, as it is a form of contagious bacteria. There is
research to support the importance of dental health in the mother. If
the mother’s dental care is appropriate and proper, then her children
benefit from this as well. She teaches those same habits and
preventative strategies to her child, typically beginning in infancy.
Unfortunately even babies who develop tooth decay can have problems
with their permanent teeth. The biggest weapon we have against tooth
decay and tooth loss is the utilization of fluoride toothpaste.

Adults and kids that are more particularly apt to getting dental decay
will get the most from using this toothpaste, as it aggressively
reinforces tooth enamel through enhancing the capacity for repelling
decay-inducing acid incidents.

Fluoride toothpaste cannot guarantee teeth that are free of decay by
itself however. The family dentist or dental hygienist can give you
instructions in the appropriate method. It is recommended that you
visit the dentist or dental hygienist twice a year for regular
cleanings.

For plaque that is not easily removed by regular brushing, a
professional cleaning is the best answer. Your overall oral health is
also affected by the foods that you eat. They should refrain from
sugary foods, and choose healthy food for meals and snacks. The less
sugar you eat, the healthier your child’s mouth and smile will be.