Infants are born with 20 tiny little teeth buds already formed in their jaws. These primary teeth play a vital role in the development of a healthy adult mouth. That’s why it’s important to find a dentist that is willing to see your child shortly after their first teeth appear.
September 28, 2015 – NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Children begin the teething process shortly after birth. Usually, baby teeth erupt from the jaw between six and 12 months of age. There is a widespread misconception that these first teeth lack importance because of their temporary state. That could not be further from the truth.
These first, or primary, teeth will help your child learn to speak clearly and chew properly. They additionally act as a placeholder for permanent teeth which grow under the gum line. Premature loss of even a single baby tooth can cause the adult teeth to grow in crooked and at an undesirable angle. Parents should find a dentist for their child who is willing to monitor oral development and proactively seek to prevent misalignment.
Dentist professionals recommend that parents find a dentist no later than a child’s first birthday. These early visits will allow the child to become familiar with regular dental procedures and help to prevent dental phobia. They are essentially a well visit for the teeth. A dentist will check for proper development and signs of decay and will work with the parents to ensure the child’s teeth are properly cared for, right from the beginning.
Parents should never take their children’s oral health for granted. In fact, teeth should be cared for beginning days after birth to help prevent bacterial buildup that might instigate negative effects on the teeth as soon as they push through the surface of the child’s gums.