| The Importance of Treatment for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay It's a common misconception that the premature loss of baby teeth isn't a problem. After all, these teeth are going to fall out anyway, so why worry if they fall out earlier than scheduled? In fact, there are many reasons to be concerned about the premature loss of baby teeth. The permanent teeth — which will serve your child into adulthood — are present in the jawbone from your baby's early years. The baby teeth act as a placeholder for the permanent teeth. If they are lost prematurely, the spacing of the permanent teeth can be affected. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to misaligned permanent teeth along with other issues that could require extensive orthodontic treatment. According to WebMD, tooth loss can also make it difficult for your child to eat a healthy, nutritious diet. It can also affect his or her ability to speak properly. Proper diction requires the presence of front teeth, so premature tooth loss could lead to a need for future speech therapy. Bad hygiene habits could follow your child into adolescence and adulthood. The best way to ensure ongoing dental health as your child matures is to be sure that he or she learns good oral hygiene from the beginning. The best approach to baby bottle tooth decay is prevention. If your child does experience early childhood dental caries, you and your child's dentist can work together to determine the best treatment options. |