Baby teeth impact adult teeth Published April 23, 2008 By Captain Chad Gustafson 4th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Baby teeth are important for healthy children for several reasons. As a child grows, good nutrition helps the teeth fully develop. Baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) allow adequate caloric consumption if they are disease free. One of the biggest functions of primary teeth, however, is to maintain space for the adult teeth (also known as permanent teeth). Thus it is very important to prevent premature tooth loss and cavities in children. Cavity prevention consists of several key areas. Teeth are composed of strong minerals, but they are still susceptible to demineralization (loss of tooth structure) due to acid. Acid can be a byproduct of bacteria or from acidic foods (soda, lemon and other fruit juices, and sports drinks) or from consuming any calories. Saliva and neutral pH products such as water, cheese and nuts help reduce the effects of demineralizing acids. The important thing to remember is that there is a continual process of tooth structure loss and repair. Our saliva has minerals that can replace lost tooth structure, but only in an acid-neutral oral environment. Since high-sugar consumption increases tooth structure loss (leading to cavities), it is important to limit children from constant snacking or "grazing." This also holds true for infants. According to Dr. Bonnie Nelson, a Pediatric Dentist, frequent exposure to calories via a "sippy cup" or baby bottle significantly contributes to childhood cavities. It is recommended that infants are held for feedings and not put to bed to nurse, have their mouth's cleaned after each meal with a clean cloth (after about age one a soft child brush can be used), limit high-sugar content foods and have a dental visit by age one. Other recommendations include avoiding using food or a bottle as a pacifier, and not dipping the pacifier in food to soothe the infant. Another key area for preventing childhood cavities is fluoride protection. Small amounts of ingested fluoride are incorporated into the teeth and make them more cavity resistant for life while topical fluoride (via toothpaste or gels from the dental office) on the teeth helps minimize cavities for a shorter period. See your dentist for recommendations on the amount and type of fluoride your child should use. Always monitor your child while brushing to prevent them from swallowing toothpaste. Parents should brush their child's teeth until the child has the ability to brush on their own. Don't assume a child is capable. Parents should be responsible for oral hygiene until the child is at least six years old. Another key to prevention also involves a visit to the dentist. They can tailor treatment for your child based on age and needs for dental treatment. A child should have a dental visit their first birthday because a significant number of children have cavities between the ages of two and five. Early loss of the primary teeth can lead to loss of space for the permanent teeth, requiring extensive orthodontic treatment (braces). Large cavities and dental infections can also cause damage to the permanent teeth as they develop. Adult supervision along with routine dental exams can help prevent many oral problems and reduce the overall dental costs needed to maintain a healthy mouth.