Why are Baby (Primary) Teeth Important?

Neglected cavities in primary teeth can and often do lead to problems that affect the development of permanent teeth.

Primary teeth are important for:

• proper chewing and eating
  
• Providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position
  
• Permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.
  
• Primary teeth affect the development of speech and appearance
  
• The front teeth last until 6-7 years and the back teeth last until 10-13
  

Eruption Schedule of Primary (Baby) Teeth-Primary teeth begin to form before birth.  All 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, but the pace and order of their eruption varies.



At West Cobb Dental Designs, dental visits for children are encouraged by age 3.  We begin the child’s dental experience with us as a “Happy” visit. During the happy visit another child or one of the parents is seen.  The appointment is extended longer so that during the “Happy” visit, the child is placed in the chair and introduced to the “toys” like, the “saliva straw” also known as “Mister Thirsty”.  We pride ourselves on the care and attention we give this first visit.  We understand that this visit and all subsquent visits make up the dental experience; our wish and joy is that this experience be a wonderful one for the child - and the parent!

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay :

A serious form of decay among babies is what we call “bottle cavities." This is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquid that contains sugar. Milk, including breast milk, fruit juices, formulas and any other sweetened liquids are responsible for this decay. Putting a child to bed or down for a nap with a sugary liquid can cause serious and rapid decay. It is recommended that the infant's bottle contain water during these periods. If the infant will not accept the bottle with just water, start diluting the liquid with water until the bottle is just water. This takes about 2-3 weeks.

After each feeding, wipe the infant’s teeth and gums with a damp wash cloth or gauze to remove the plaque. The easiest way to do this is to lay the child in your lap. Make sure you can see all the infant’s teeth.

For more information please call West Cobb Dental Designs at 770-428-5959. Your child is our greatest joy.