Prevention is effective when it starts early
Why are primary teeth important?
They are necessary for chewing food.
Damaged teeth with an abscess influence the general health of the child causing pain and sometimes fever.
They are necessary for speech, especially during the age children learn to talk.
They maintain the space the permanent teeth need when they erupt.
They help the proper development of the jaws.
Healthy primary teeth give a beautiful smile to the child, which helps the picture it has about itself.
In general, teeth with caries create an infected environment in the mouth, in which the permanent teeth are affected easier when they erupt. For this reason primary teeth are as important as the permanent ones and neglecting them with the pretence that they will be changed is a serious mistake.
How can I protect my child’s teeth?
The best way to protect your child's teeth is the initiation of correct preventive measures at a young age. These measures include the cleaning of teeth, correct diet, the use of fluoride and the frequent visits to your paediatric dentist. Your aim is to maintain the teeth’s health until the age of 16-18 years. If you succeed in this, your child will have healthy teeth for the rest of its life.
When should brushing of the teeth start?
We have already mentioned that the cleaning of the teeth should start as soon as the child's first tooth appears in the mouth. Until the end of the child's second year, a wet gauze or a thin toothbrush can clean the primary teeth at least once a day, preferably after every meal, without causing any irritations. As the child grows, a small and soft toothbrush with a smear layer of toothpaste may be used.
What is fluoride and how can I use it?
Fluoride is an element which makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay. It has been found that it can reduce the appearance of tooth decay up to 60%. Fluoride, in other words helps children have stronger teeth and parents spend less money.
It must be given in proper quantities, according to age, and the geographic area in which each child lives. For this reason you must consult your paediatric dentist, who will inform you properly, about the dosage and the way of use according to your child’s needs.
What must I do if my child injures its teeth?
It is true that when the child begins to make its first steps, it usually has its first accidents. If it injures its teeth, then the paediatric dentist should examine it and find out if the permanent tooth has been injured as well.
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