Your Baby's Teeth

ALTHOUGH COMMONLY called temporary or baby teeth, the first tooth usually is not lost until age six and some primary molars must function well into eighth grade at High School. Primary (baby) teeth are necessary for - chewing, speech, aesthetics and jaw development.

EFFECTS ON GENERAL HEALTH AND PERMANENT TEETH

Neglect of the primary teeth can result in severe pain and serious infection of the gums and jaws which can in turn affect a child's general health. In addition, tooth decay if left untreated in primary teeth for example, if an abscess or gum boil forms can spread to permanent teeth developing in the jaw below.

THAT FIRST PRECIOUS SMILE

Children are their worst critics. All children deserve to appear normal wherever possible in the eyes of other children. Self-esteem is developed when a normal smile is in place and children having 'ugly' front teeth often become the objects of teasing and ridicule by their peers.

TOOTH ALIGNMENT

Primary teeth serve as a guide to the erupting permanent teeth. Each primary tooth reserves a space for the permanent tooth that will replace it. Premature loss of primary teeth leads to loss of space, drifting, rotation and other orthodontic disasters.

TOOTH ERUPTION (TEETHING)

Teeth usually erupt according to a common pattern and average dates. However, there is considerable variation and deviations from the norm should be investigated but be no cause for alarm. Teething is a normal process but with many associated myths. Symptoms of sore gums, restlessness, irritability and disruption of eating and sleeping habits may be present, even resulting in loose stools. Further serious illnesses, persistent diarrhoea and ear infections are not caused by teething and should be investigated by a physician. Baby's gums may be soothed with a refrigerated teething ring. During teething, baby will place all types of objects in the mouth and special caution should be taken.

- Dr. G. E. Gordon-Veitch, Paedodontist.

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