August 2, 2023 - Smile 4U Family Dental Clinic

Why is the Treatment of Milk Teeth Important?

What are Milk Teeth?

Milk teeth, also known as deciduous teeth or baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that human beings develop. They start to erupt through the gums around 6 months of age, and usually, all primary teeth are present by age 2.5.

Why Milk Teeth are Essential for a Child's Overall Growth.

Milk teeth are essential for several reasons, including:

Chewing and eating. Milk teeth help children to chew and grind food properly, which is essential for good nutrition. They also help the proper development of muscles and jaws to grow in the correct position.

Speech development. Milk teeth help children to form certain sounds, such as “th,” “f,” and “v.” If milk teeth are lost early, it can be difficult for children to pronounce these sounds correctly.

Space maintenance. Milk teeth hold the space open for the permanent teeth that will eventually erupt. If milk teeth are lost early, the permanent teeth may not have enough space to erupt properly, which can lead to crowding or misalignment.

Facial development. Milk teeth help to guide the growth of the face and jaws. If milk teeth are lost early, the face may not develop properly.

Most Common Problems that can Occur with Milk Teeth.

Here are some of the most common problems that can occur with milk teeth:

Early childhood caries: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a type of tooth decay affecting children under 6. It is also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. ECC is caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids, such as milk, juice, or formula.

Toothache: Toothache is a pain in the tooth or surrounding area. It can be caused by several things, including cavities, infections, or trauma.

Loose teeth: Loose teeth are a normal part of childhood. They start to loosen as the permanent teeth start to come in. However, if a loose tooth is causing pain or discomfort, it should be consulted by a pediatric dentist for any required intervention.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It is caused by plaque buildup. Gingivitis can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.

Fractures: Fractures can occur in milk teeth due to trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the mouth.

Impacted teeth: Impacted teeth are those that are unable to erupt into the mouth properly due to lack of space or other reasons. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and other problems.

How Untreated Milk Teeth can lead to Problems with Permanent Teeth.

Here are some ways untreated milk teeth can lead to problems with permanent teeth:

Infection:If a cavity in a milk tooth is not treated, it can become infected. A tooth infection in children can spread through the jawbone and cause several problems.

Swelling: The infection can cause the gums around the affected tooth to swell. This can make it difficult to eat and can also be painful.

Pain: The infection can cause pain in the affected tooth and in the surrounding area. The pain can be severe, making it difficult for the child to eat and even sleep.

Abscess formation: The infection can cause an abscess to form. An abscess is a collection of pus that can form in the jawbone. Abscesses can be painful and can also cause fever.

Sinusitis: The infection can spread to the sinuses. Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull. Sinusitis can cause pain in the face, pressure, and a runny or stuffy nose.

Loss of space: Milk teeth help to keep the space in the jaw for the permanent teeth to erupt. If a milk tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth may not have enough space to come in properly. This can lead to crowding, crooked teeth, or other dental problems.

How Visiting our Paediatric Dentist for Regular Checkups and Cleanings can help.

Taking your child to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is one of the best things you can do for their oral health. Early detection of problems is essential for good oral health, and by taking your child to the dentist regularly, you can help to catch any problems early on and get them treated before they become more serious.

In addition, regular checkups and cleanings can help to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. The dentist can remove plaque and tartar buildup, leading to cavities and gum disease. They can also look for early signs/symptoms of problems, such as tooth decay or misalignment.

Talk to our dentist Dr. Warisha Sajid (MDS in paediatric dentistry), if you are concerned about your child’s oral health. She can answer queries related to your child’s dental problems and help you develop a plan to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy for life.

Visit Smile 4u Clinic family dental clinic for complete oral care for your children.