As a parent, your most important priority is that your child grows up with a happy and healthy smile. While losing their baby teeth is a completely natural part of your loved one’s growth, losing them too soon can have a detrimental impact on their oral health. You may be wondering how that can be when their teeth aren’t even permanent yet. Your pediatric dentist fills you in on the importance of baby teeth and how they help shape adult smiles. Nothing fills your heart more than seeing your son or daughter flash a grin, so it’s worth it to read on and learn why your child may be losing their teeth too early and how to prevent it.
Why are Baby Teeth Important?
Making sure that your child’s temporary teeth are healthy and falling out naturally can ensure that they have a lifetime of good oral health. Their baby teeth allow them to properly chew and speak, which are important skills to perfect.
Baby teeth tend to fall out naturally due to their roots being broken down as the permanent teeth push against them. This process usually only takes a few weeks. Typically, children begin to lose teeth around 6 and most are done by the age of 12.
This process is vital because your little one’s temporary teeth act as space holders for when their permanent teeth start coming through. Losing them too early leaves a gap that isn’t ready to be filled quite yet. When this happens, it’s important to consult your pediatric dentist to see if any treatment is necessary to preserve their smile.
Why is Your Child Losing Their Teeth Early?
As a child, it’s easy to lose teeth on accident from a stray ball or a nasty bike accident. If your son or daughter isn’t keeping up with their oral health, they could also be losing teeth due to dental decay. Tooth loss can additionally be caused by diseases such as:
- Blood diseases such as diabetes
- Metabolic disorders
- Immunological problems that hamper their ability to fight infections
Although these are less common causes, it’s a good idea to take your child to a dentist immediately if they begin losing their teeth before the age of 6. Taking your loved one for their semi-annual checkups and cleanings is a great way to identify and tackle problems before they progress or cause permanent damage.
How Can Losing Teeth Too Soon Impact Your Child’s Future Smile?
If your child begins to lose their teeth too early, their permanent teeth will shift and move in an attempt to fill in the extra space. This can cause crowding, crooked teeth, gaps, an uneven bite, and jaw problems. Your dentist may recommend space maintainers to prevent remaining nearby teeth from shifting until their permanent teeth begin to peek through their gums.
It’s important to remember that even though your child’s baby teeth are temporary, they play an important role in their future oral health. Seeing a special dentist for toddlers is another great way to keep their smile bright and healthy. Giving your child their own lessons and teaching them good oral hygiene habits at home can be the key to preventing tooth decay and premature tooth loss.
About the Author
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Lily has the tools, skills, and expertise to provide your little one with the highest quality of care to preserve their future smile. As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and many other organizations, she takes pride in staying up-to-date with advancements in her field. Get your child excited about visiting their dentist by taking them to Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry! For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or contact 469-925-0861.