{"id":97,"date":"2019-02-27T21:34:41","date_gmt":"2019-02-27T21:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/?p=97"},"modified":"2019-02-27T21:35:42","modified_gmt":"2019-02-27T21:35:42","slug":"a-dentist-explains-why-baby-teeth-matter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/a-dentist-explains-why-baby-teeth-matter\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dentist Explains Why Baby Teeth Matter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As a devoted parent, you of course want your child to enjoy lifelong dental health. That\u2019s exactly why you should take him or her to the dentist<\/a> on or before their first birthday. The condition of a baby\u2019s teeth are a good indicator of dental problems that may surface later in life. The time to know about those potential challenges is now, before they develop into long-term difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Baby Teeth Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some well-meaning parents\nthink that baby teeth are less important than permanent ones. In reality, your\nchild\u2019s initial teeth act as \u201cplaceholders\u201d for the permanent versions. If they\u2019re\nmisaligned or fall out too early, then the child may need braces later in life.\nIt\u2019s always good to know about these possibilities ahead of time so you can\nplan for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Never Too Early to Make\nSure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral health problems can\nstart at any age. Sometimes symptoms go unnoticed until the condition becomes\nserious. Only a medical or dental professional can spot these warning signs.\nThat\u2019s another reason to take your child to the dentist by their first\nbirthday, both from an abundance of caution and for your peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Familiarity Fosters Trust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Millions of Americans never\nget the dental care they need because of dentist-related phobias. The best way\nto prevent your child from developing these fears is to introduce him or her to\nyour dentist early in life. That way, he or she will know that the office is\nstaffed by caring, compassionate professionals whose utmost priority is their patient\u2019s\nwell-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It Pays to Learn from a Professional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tooth decay process\nbegins as soon as the first teeth appear. Yet most children are unable to brush\nfor themselves until they\u2019re around six years old. Your dentist can show you\nways to care for their teeth until they\u2019re able to take over the task for\nthemselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raising Sugar-Free Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brushing, flossing, and\nseeing your family dentist on a regular basis are important for protecting your\nchild\u2019s teeth. But you may be undermining your efforts if you don\u2019t also encourage\nyour family to stay away from sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eliminating sugar from your\nchild\u2019s diet entirely is neither wise nor advised. But there are steps you can\ntake to minimize the role this simple sweetener plays in his or her dietary\nhabits. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n