Today’s blog post is all about a topic that comes up in every family sooner or later: The baby teeth. These little white pearls are more than just temporary placeholders, because they play a crucial role in the development of your child and their permanent teeth. For this reason, let's delve into the world of baby teeth together today and find out how you can help your child you can best support in the care and cleaning of milk teeth.
What are baby teeth actually?
Baby teeth, also known as your child's first teeth, are a fascinating and important part of a child's development. The process of teeth eruption usually begins around six months of age, but may start a little earlier or later. This is a completely natural process and varies from child to child.
In total, one child 20 baby teeth that appear in a specific order. The first teeth to normally erupt are the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors. Then
- the lateral incisors,
- the first molars,
- the canines and finally
- the second molars.
This process of tooth eruption usually takes several years and is usually completed by the age of about three.
Why are they so important?
Although baby teeth are temporary and eventually fall out to make room for permanent teeth, they play an enormously important role in the healthy development of your child. These small but important teeth have a variety of functions that go far beyond mere chewing and eating.
First, Milk teeth are crucial for the development of chewing and biting ability your child. They allow solid food to be broken down, which is essential for a balanced diet and the absorption of all necessary nutrients. A healthy set of milk teeth therefore promotes good digestion and supports your child's general well-being.
Another important aspect of milk teeth is their role in speech development. The correct articulation of many sounds depends on the position and health of the teeth. Milk teeth serve as a kind of guide for the tongue, enable the formation of specific sounds and thus contribute to clear and distinct pronunciation. Early Problems with baby teeth can lead to speech difficulties, which underlines the importance of their care.
In addition, baby teeth have a significant influence on the formation of your child’s facial features. They contribute to development of the jaw and facial structure by providing space for the growing bone structures. Healthy milk teeth support harmonious facial growth and thus influence the later appearance of your child.
Baby teeth also play a critical role in the development and positioning of permanent teeth. They act as placeholders and guide the permanent teeth into their correct position. If baby teeth are lost too early or are in poor condition, this can lead to misalignment and space problems in the permanent teeth that follow. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and care for baby teeth until they naturally fall out.
care of baby teeth
The care of baby teeth Your child's oral health actually begins before the first tooth appears. It may sound surprising, but oral hygiene is very important even without teeth. You can start promoting your baby's oral health early by caring for the gums. This can be done by gently massaging the gums with a
- clean, damp cloth or
- a special baby toothbrush
This routine not only helps keep gums healthy, but can also be soothing, especially during the teething phase when your baby may be experiencing discomfort or pain.
Once the first baby tooth erupts, which typically happens around six months of age, it's time to start an oral hygiene routine specifically for children. Use a soft children's toothbrush that is small enough to fit comfortably in your baby's mouth and gently clean the delicate new teeth. The bristles should be soft so as not to irritate the sensitive gums.
It is recommended to use a children's toothpaste that contains fluoride, but in very small quantities. Fluoride is important to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, but with young children care should be taken not to use too much toothpaste as they often swallow it. A pea-sized amount is sufficient.
When should you go to the dentist for the first time?
It's a good idea to take your child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. Early visits to the dentist help identify potential problems early and get your child used to regular dental check-ups.
Dealing with the change of teeth
Teething typically begins at age six and can last until age twelve. It's important that you support your child during this time and encourage them to continue practicing good oral hygiene. Some children find teething uncomfortable or frightening, so it's important to be understanding and supportive.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, ideally in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before going to bed. Brushing your teeth in the evening is especially important to remove food particles and plaque that have accumulated during the day and thus provide protection against tooth decay overnight.
It is also a good opportunity to teach your child the importance of oral hygiene. By making brushing part of the daily routine, you will help your child develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. A playful approach can be helpful to make brushing more interesting and enjoyable for your child.
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