One of the most common myths associated with dental care is that “There is no need to treat the milk teeth as they are going to fall off”. This however is far from true. Let’s get to the basics of the need for preserving the baby tooth and its role in growth and development.
What are functions (uses) of milk teeth?
1. The milk teeth does all the functions of permanent teeth, in addition to that, the milk teeth act as natural space maintainers, that is they help to maintain the space for the future permanent teeth to erupt. If by any chance a baby tooth has to be removed then that space has to be maintained using special appliances (Space maintainers). Otherwise that space will reduce and the permanent tooth which is supposed to erupt in that space will get locked in the bone or may erupt in a wrong position.
2. The presence of all the milk teeth is also very essential for the proper growth of the upper and lower jaws, which in turn affects the patient’s facial profile and appearance.
3. Deep cavities in milk teeth can induce a lot of pain, which in turn affects the food intake of the child, thereby even leading to malnutrition, if left untreated.
4. An infection from a baby tooth if left untreated can affect the proper development of the permanent tooth that follows it, sometimes leading to a disorder of the enamel called as “Turner’s hypoplasia”
5. Badly mutilated or broken down teeth (especially the front teeth) does induce some inferiority complex in the child due to peer pressure. We often have parents complaining that such children refusing to attend school properly.
Hence it is very important that every parent understands the importance of milk teeth and take all efforts to maintain them in proper form and shape and initiate all necessary treatment at the earliest if required.
We strongly suggest that the first dental visit for a child should start as soon as the first milk tooth erupts and the habit of yearly dental check-up should be practised to detect problems when they are in the early stages.
Hi, the Myth associated with Baby teeth article it is well written and is very useful.
That’s how easy it can be to finally enjoy restful nights
and see the surpring health benefits for your child. – http://bit.ly/Gets-Your-Baby-to-Sleep
Your baby is wonderful!! 🙂 Kiss you All!
This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start
my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you
presented it. Too cool!
thank you so much. Do stay connected