Because primary teeth (baby teeth) aren't permanent, some parents may not think that their young child needs regular dental care. Read on to learn more why pediatric dental health is so important and how you can help your child.

Why is Dental Care so Important for Your Child?

The CDC says that the most common chronic disease for children is dental caries, or cavities. Cavities are small pits and holes in the enamel; when oral bacteria consumes food remnants, they create acidic byproducts that break down teeth.

However, cavities are largely preventable if you have your child brush and floss regularly. If your child develops a cavity and it isn't taken care of, he or she may develop toothache, making it painful to eat.

If decay is left unchecked, then your child may need to get root canal therapy to fix the pulp, or the living tissue inside teeth. Otherwise, the decay could lead to infected abscesses.

If your child has too much decay in his or her baby teeth, the dentist may need to extract them. Baby teeth that are extracted early on can contribute to speech issues and improper jaw development. It may also be harder for your child to have streamlined orthodontic care, as adult teeth may erupt too early and crowd other teeth.

How Can You Help Your Young Child?

If your child brushes and flosses but is still getting cavities in his or her baby teeth, there are other things to consider. For example, if you give your child bottles with milk, juice, or other liquids with high-sugar content, consider switching to other drinks or just water. Another problem is that you shouldn't share utensils with your child, as primary caregivers can pass cavity-causing bacteria through saliva.

If your child is a little older, consider asking your dentist about about dental sealants and fluoride varnish. Dental sealants are plastic barriers that a dentist can apply to the chewing surfaces of teeth. As the name implies, the sealants seal out bacteria so that it cannot eat through enamel. Fluoride varnish is another good option because it strengthens enamel; and, like sealants, it is easy to apply to the surfaces of teeth without making your child gag.

Lastly, ask your dentist about proper brushing and flossing methods. Some children may not be brushing long enough or they may not be brushing correctly. For instance, if a child brushes too hard, he or she could develop receding gums, premature enamel wear, and tooth sensitivity.

Help your child maintain his or her baby teeth; contact a family dental care office in your area today for more information on pediatric dental care.