Milk teeth, also known as baby teeth or primary teeth, are the first set of teeth that children get .They start erupting at the age of six months and complete after two years of age . The permanent teeth develop under the Milk teeth .
Common Misconceptions
- Milk teeth don’t matter because they’ll fall anyway “ this misconception can lead to neglect of primary teeth, potentially causing problems with permanent teeth.
- Cavities in milk teeth aren’t a big deal “ Untreated cavities in the primary teeth can lead to pain, infection and problems with permanent teeth .
Importance of Milk Teeth
- Milk teeth helps children develop proper speech and pronunciation skills .
- They enable the children to chew food properly, which is essential for nutrition and digestion .
- Milk teeth hold the space for permanent teeth, guiding them into their correct position .
- Broken and fracture, teeth will affect the self-esteem and confidence of the child .
If the milk teeth are lost early, it can potentially lead to issues with the development and alignment of the permanent teeth
Consequences of Early Milk Tooth Loss
- When milk tooth is lost early, prematurely ,the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, causing crowding
- In some cases, early loss of milk teeth can lead to impacted permanent teeth where the tooth doesn’t have enough space to erupt properly .
- Early loss of milk teeth can increase the chances of child requiring orthodontic treatment ( braces treatment ).
Tips for The Parents
- Established good oral hygiene habits
- Encourage the child for regular twice a day brush.
- Monitor diet :limit sugar, snacks, and drinks and promote a balanced diet
- Regular dental visits can help identify and address any issues early on
Brushing and Cleaning
- Start early, begin cleaning your child’s mouth, even before the first tooth erupts.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush, and with a small head .
- Apply a small layer of the toothpaste for the children under three years of age and Pea sized amount for children between 3 to 6 years .
- Encourage your child to brush your teeth, twice a day in the morning and before bed
Additional Tips
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks and encourage a balanced diet
- Avoid bottle feeding before bed, milk and formula can pull around the teeth and cause decay of teeth .
- Regular dental checkup should be scheduled to identify early problems .
- Look for signs of early tooth decay such as white or brown spots on the teeth .
When To Start Dental Visits ?
- First tooth or first birthday “ is the golden rule.
- Schedule a dental visit when the first tooth erupts or by the child’s first birthday.
What to do for Early Loss of Milk Tooth ?
- Consult a paediatric dentist. The dentist will assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
- Space maintainer : in some cases, it may be recommended to hold the space for the permanent teeth using a space maintainer.
- Regular dental checkup can help monitor the development of permanent teeth and identify any issues early on.
By working closely with your Paediatrics Dentist, you can help minimise the potential consequences of early milk loss and ensure your child’s teeth development properly
