Why is protecting my child’s teeth so important if they are going to fall out anyway? 

Baby (milk) teeth are important because they have many functions.  They help your child to speak clearly, chew food and also hold space for the primary (permanent) teeth to come in. 

In a more aesthetic aspect, it helps your child to develop a healthy, pleasant smile which is an important factor for their personal development. 

Each tooth has 3 layers; enamel, dentin and the pulp. In baby teeth, the enamel is very thin and is very much vulnerable to acid attacks after consumption of food and drinks.  

Because the enamel is thin, acid attacks can easily cause your child to have dental caries (dental cavities).  The National Oral Survey done in 2003-2004 show that 65% of 5 year old children have dental cavities in their milk teeth. 

Too early loss of milk teeth can cause the permanent teeth to erupt between the gaps of the empty spaces making it difficult for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position. Moreover dental caries at such a young age can be quite traumatic to your child as the pain can be rather unbearable. 

Not to mention, dental cavities and bad oral care will cause absenteeism in school, dysfunction, and difficulty in concentrating, poor appearance and self-esteem issues all of which would affect your child’s confidence and personality. 

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth? 

From the eruption of the very first tooth, it’s important to have proper oral care. At the begin when one or two teeth have erupted, use a clean cloth to gently clean the teeth, the gums and tongue. When more than 4 teeth have erupted, it is compulsory to start using an infant toothbrush to brush without the use of toothpaste. 
 

* Based on a discussion with Dr. Dileep De Silva, immediate past President of SLD and consultant in dental public health. 

Text by Panchali Illankoon