Overview
Primary teeth are temporary, but they are not disposable. They help children eat, speak, smile, and hold space for permanent teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, missed school, and problems for developing adult teeth.
Key Takeaways
- ✓The first dental visit should happen by age one or soon after the first tooth appears.
- ✓Baby bottle decay can start as soon as teeth erupt.
- ✓Untreated baby-tooth infections can affect eating, sleep, and growth.
- ✓Parents should brush for young children and supervise older children.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Wipe gums before teeth erupt and brush teeth once they appear.
- 2Avoid bedtime bottles with milk, juice, or sweet drinks.
- 3Use age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste amounts.
- 4Make brushing a parent-supervised routine, not a child-only task.
When To Book A Dentist
- !The first tooth appears or the child approaches the first birthday.
- !White, brown, or black spots appear on baby teeth.
- !A child has tooth pain, swelling, or avoids chewing.
- !A baby tooth is injured or knocked loose.