There is a common misconception that temporary baby teeth aren’t that big of a deal, with greater value placed on permanent teeth. However, until baby teeth fall out naturally, they play an essential role in your child’s oral health.
The health and position of baby teeth will directly impact permanent teeth alignment. Here’s what you need to know.
The Role of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth often begin to erupt between six and 12 months of age and fall out, or shed, between six and 12 years of age. Throughout this time, they give your child the ability to chew and nourish their body, as well as speak clearly.
Baby teeth also act as a space holder in the jaw for the permanent teeth to erupt with little to no disruption. The new teeth can move in with enough room to align properly. Losing baby teeth too early due to decay or injury can throw off this balance.
The Impact of Losing Baby Teeth Too Early
Baby teeth are meant to fall out naturally, at just the right time. When this happens prematurely, the newly formed space and lack of support allow the neighboring teeth to shift. It isn’t always easy to spot the significance of this impact immediately, but as more and more permanent teeth erupt, you will find that some teeth no longer have a space of their own to move into.
So, what is the result of losing baby teeth too early? Overcrowded, overlapping, misaligned permanent teeth. Affected bites can make orthodontic treatment a necessity as the child grows.
Treatments to Protect Alignment
Sometimes, it just happens—kids lose baby teeth before they should. But that does not mean they will have to deal with the repercussions. Treatment is available that can protect alignment.
If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer is used to hold the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting and causing alignment issues.
Pediatric dentistry can also play a crucial role in keeping the teeth in check. Regular exams will allow your child’s dentist to monitor the growth and development of teeth. Plus, with these visits come fluoride treatments and sealants that will keep teeth strong and healthy in order to avoid them falling out early.
What You Can Do At Home, Parents
Baby teeth need to be treated as though they are just as important as permanent teeth. Therefore, it all starts with creating and sticking to an oral hygiene routine. Getting your child to develop the habits of brushing and flossing at an early age can reduce the risk of decay. So can breaking habits like heavy sugar consumption, thumb sucking, and extended pacifier use.
All of these things are just as important as making regular dental visits a priority. The more closely you work with your dentist, the less chance your child’s baby teeth will affect their teeth alignment as they get older.
Frequently Asked Questions
If baby teeth are crooked, will permanent teeth be crooked, too?
Not always. Baby teeth can be a little crooked, but still guide a permanent tooth into its place. However, overcrowding or spacing issues can often give the permanent tooth no choice but to come in at odd angles.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it is recommended that kids first see an orthodontist around age 7. This allows any potential issues to be spotted and addressed early, before more complex treatment is needed.
Our team at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala is here to support your child’s oral health journey—from baby teeth to permanent teeth and beyond. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help keep your child’s smile right on track.