This message from the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria focuses on the importance of healthy baby teeth.
Some people don’t understand how important they are. Many parents don’t brush them thoroughly. Some allow their child to drink sugary juice from a sippy cup all day. They figure that they will get serious about oral hygiene when their toddler’s permanent teeth come in.
These misconceptions are lamentable. Childhood tooth decay is so widespread that many in the medical community call it a public health crisis.
Why are healthy baby teeth crucial?
- Baby teeth keep the appropriate amount of space available for the permanent teeth that will come in later.
- Baby teeth are required for normal speech development. (This is especially important for Alexandria parents who are dying to know what their toddler means when they point to something repeatedly and say ‘scklash’ or ‘grag-grag’.)
- Healthy baby teeth help your child eat a varied, nutritious diet. Decayed baby teeth make it hard to chew. This can cause your youngster to reject many different foods. Especially high-nutrient raw vegetables.
- And, finally, cavities and infection can be passed down from baby teeth to permanent teeth as they develop below them. That’s not what you want for the teeth your youngster is going to have for the rest of their life.
If your youngster hasn’t seen a dentist yet, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us at the Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry in Alexandria. We offer family and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment for your child today!
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
