Baby Teeth--They Totally Matter

Once, sitting with a group of young mothers, the conversation turned to dental horror stories about solving preschooler's dental issues.  These mothers talked about baby root canals, multiple fillings and pulled teeth.

Finally someone nudged me.  Well, didn't I have a single dental horror story to share.

No.  Even with 5 kids and less-than perfect brushing habits (though we do make a good effort at it), I've only had to deal with, maybe 3 fillings. Maybe.  And, as I tried to explain to these friends, it's not genetics; it's because I have a couple of secret weapons.

Weapon #1: Fluoride
From the time my kids' pediatrician recommended it, my kids have taken fluoride.  The American Dental Association (ADA) says, "While teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride taken [internally] strengthens tooth enamel making it stronger and more resistant to cavities. This provides what is called a “systemic” benefit. After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay."

Weapon #2: Sealants

Photo Courtesy: Mouth Healthy.org

My third child, Nathan, got a cavity when we delayed getting sealants on his teeth.  Sealants cost a fraction (half or less than half) of a filling.  They are not covered by most insurance companies on baby teeth.  Get them sealed anyway.  Not only are they a fraction of the cost--they are even a smaller fraction of the trauma.  Sealants are "painted" onto the teeth.  They are super fast to get done (many of my kids have been able to get sealants the same day as our regular check up) and Dr. Matthews guarantees them.  

If the sealant chips, or peels after it's been done, Dr. Matthews touches them up, effectively redoing them at no cost.  That's the kind of thing that makes every mom happy. (To learn more about sealants go here.) After that postponing sealants with Nate that once, I've never done it again. 

Weapon #3:  Early and Often
I've usually taken our kids to MatthewsSmiles between 18 months and two years of age.  That visit is usually quite relaxed.  They get to ride up and down on the chair, Dr. Matthews counts their teeth (while giving them an exam) with a cool pokey-thing and they get prizes.  *PRIZES!* 

Six months later, we come back for our first cleaning.  And we're on our way every six months thereafter.  Based on how much my 1st grader still likes it, I think this plan is working.

The reality is that baby teeth matter.  On the ADA website for families called, Mouth Healthy.org, the ADA notes, "When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked or crowded. That’s why starting infants off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for decades to come."

Photo Courtesy: Mark Stein Photography