KIDS TEETH REMINDS PARENTS THAT BABY TEETH MATTER TOO
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – How many times have parents said, “But
they’re just baby teeth.” Pediatric dentists find a common tendency
among parents to dismiss those early baby teeth as unimportant simply
because they will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth as the child
grows.
Mount Pleasant pediatric dental office Kids Teeth is using National
Children’s Dental Health Month in February to remind parents and
caregivers that baby teeth do indeed matter both in a child’s
short-term development and for long-term dental health.
Primary or baby teeth are important for many reasons:
* They help children speak clearly and chew naturally.
* They aid in dental development, to hold space in the jaws for
permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent
teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other
adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked
or crowded.
* Good habits start early. Teaching children to care for their primary
teeth plays a critical role in how they care for their permanent teeth.
Parents who don’t take their children to the dentist at an early age
or don’t fill cavities in baby teeth in a timely matter face bigger
dental issues down the road. Depending on the age of the child, the
tooth could remain in the mouth for several years before they lose it on
their own. That means the cavity will grow and eventually cause severe
pain and discomfort.
Neglecting early dental care also can cause damage to the permanent
tooth and potentially result in spacing issues as permanent teeth
emerge. A non-functioning tooth makes chewing and speaking more
difficult.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a
pediatric dentist by 12 months of age or within 6 months after their
first tooth appears.
“The idea of such early dental visits is still surprising to many new
parents,” said Dr. Mike Myers. “We are continually educating parents
on the important of early dental care.”
National studies are showing preschool-aged children are getting more
cavities. In fact, one in four children in the United States has had at
least one cavity by the age of 4, and many kids get cavities as early as
age 2.
“Taking your child to the pediatric dentist at a young age is the best
way to prevent tooth decay and promote a healthy mouth,” Myers said.
“We help parents learn how to properly clean their child’s teeth and
maintain a lifetime of good oral health.”
To promote good dental health, Kids Teeth is hosting a Healthy Smile
Selfie Contest. During the month of February, take a photo of your
children practicing good dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, drinking
water, eating healthy foods, etc. Upload it to your Facebook page and
tag @kidsteethsc or share on Instagram using #healthysmileselfie.
For each entry submitted in the contest, Kids Teeth will donate $1 to
Windwood Farm, a home for boys who have been abused or neglected.
The winner will receive one year of free dental care and kid’s Fitbit
(grand prize valued at $560 and includes two exams, two fluoride
treatments, two prophy treatments (polishing) and two bitewing X-rays).
One entry per child, per household; entrants do not have to be current
Kids Teeth patients to be eligible to win.
ABOUT KIDS TEETH
Located in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Kids Teeth is dedicated to providing
the highest quality care to infants, children and adolescents in a
friendly and comfortable environment. Serving the Charleston area for
more than 30 years, Kids Teeth believes that through the education and
motivation of children and their parents, patients can maintain a
lifetime of good oral health. Learn more at www.kidsteethsc.com
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