The permanent teeth, which will serve your child into adulthood, are present in the jawbone from your baby's early years, and the baby teeth act as a placeholder for the permanent teeth. If they are lost prematurely, the spacing of the permanent teeth can be affected. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to misaligned permanent teeth and other issues that could require extensive orthodontic treatment.
The best way to ensure ongoing dental health as your child matures is to be sure that he or she learns good oral hygiene from the beginning. For babies, that means cleaning your baby’s mouth with a damp washcloth or gauze after every feeding. For children, supervise them while brushing. They should use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste, and make sure you’re helping them develop healthy and nutritious dietary habits.
There are so many things to pay attention to in your baby’s health, which can seem overwhelming. Luckily, the best approach to Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is awareness and prevention. After your baby is born, start developing good oral health care habits, and check in with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist when they turn six months old or when their first tooth appears. That way, you’ll be equipped with the best knowledge to keep your baby’s oral health in top shape, which can mean a healthy, confident smile in adulthood—something they’ll definitely thank you for!