Protecting Baby Teeth: 3 Things To Avoid
You may already know that even though baby teeth will eventually be shed and permanent teeth will replace them, they serve as preliminary guides for those future teeth. While you are aware that consistent dental hygiene and visits are essential in your efforts toward protecting primary teeth, there are some possible hazards you might overlook. Let us ensure that you are not with a few tips for what to avoid.
#1: Teaching Them To Remove Their Own Loose Teeth
You don’t ever want to teach your child to remove his or her own baby tooth. If the tooth is extremely loose, you grab it gently with a clean cloth, and the slightest movement helps it come free, then this is perfectly fine. However, pulling forcefully, tying one end of a string to a tooth (and the other to a door, book, etc.), or other methods can cause injury to baby teeth. Passing these ideas along can lead to future generations with smile problems, as well!
#2: Letting Them See You Use Your Teeth As A Tool
Try to avoid carrying bags with your mouth, carrying your keys, using your smile to open packages, and the list goes on. As much as this can damage your smile, you may also be teaching this habit to your kiddos, which can damage their baby teeth (and then their adult teeth, too).
#3: Planning On Enforcing Rules Only Once Permanent Teeth Arrive
If you shrug this off until permanent teeth arrive, two bad things may occur: First, primary teeth may become diseased or damaged, which can damage those incoming permanent teeth. Second, your kids will not take kindly to the sudden onset of new rules for dental care! Putting them in place very early offers you the best bet for instilling excellent habits.
Protect Your Child’s Baby Teeth For Long-Term Oral Health
Remember that keeping your kids’ smiles safe begins with providing their baby teeth with care and protection. Schedule a visit with your Dallas, TX children’s dentist, Dr. Marr at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.
filed under: Good Hygiene, Tips/Advice