Did you know that your child’s teeth were formed before they were born? While you can take comfort in knowing that teeth are the strongest substance in the entire body, your child’s smile still needs attention and protection. Baby teeth as well as permanent teeth are not invincible, and they are the only part of the body that cannot repair themselves!
As parents, we typically know what makes our children smile, and what they like to eat. But how much do you really know about their teeth, the part of their body that give them their smile and allows them to chew foods? Here are some interesting facts about children’s teeth to help you appreciate that growing smile even more.
- “Ladies first” – Girls tend to grow their teeth in before boys.
- Teeth play a primary role in your child’s speech development
- Milk bottle decay is real. It refers to cavities that develop in babies when bottles are left in their mouth while sleeping. (Formula or breast milk can do this!)
- Cavities are the second most common diseases in childhood, just behind the common cold.
- Cavities are the leading reason for missed school days in kids.
- Baby teeth can fall out in a random sequence; don’t be alarmed.
- The outer layer of teeth (enamel) is a non-living tissue and can’t repair itself.
- No two bite patterns are the same – every set of teeth is as unique as a fingerprint.
- Baby teeth matter. Untreated decay in primary teeth can lead to permanent consequences in adult teeth.
At Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, we have a strong interest in pediatric teeth. We love helping parents and kids appreciate their pearly whites, as this can also help them take care of them better. Don’t dismiss the importance of pediatric dental care – starting when that first tooth erupts!
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