The importance of oral health for children

Baby teeth matter more than most families expect

Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth, guide jaw growth and make chewing a varied diet possible. Untreated decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, missed school days and disrupted sleep, and it can affect how the permanent teeth arrive.

Prevention is easier than treatment

• Brush twice a day with an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, using an amount advised for your child's age.
• Help or supervise brushing until your child has the dexterity to do it well alone.
• Keep sugary drinks and frequent snacking to a minimum — how often sugar is eaten matters as much as how much.
• Attend regular check-ups so small problems are found while they are still small.

When to start dental visits

Pediatric dental bodies recommend a first dental visit around the time the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Early visits are short, friendly and mostly about prevention and coaching parents.