Children’s baby teeth will be replaced later, so it’s okay not to brush their teeth?

Fact: This view is wrong.

Analysis: Although your child's baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, this does not mean that oral hygiene during the baby teeth period is not important. Here are a few reasons:

1. Prevent tooth decay, exercise chewing, promote pronunciation and normal jaw development: deciduous teeth play a key role in children's early eating habits, chewing skills and pronunciation. If they are not brushed, it is easy to cause tooth decay, affecting chewing, nutrition intake and pronunciation.

2. Protect permanent teeth: If deciduous teeth fall out prematurely due to tooth decay, it may cause abnormal position of permanent teeth when they erupt, resulting in jaw problems. In addition, oral diseases such as gingivitis and pulpitis induced by tooth decay may have adverse effects on the development of permanent teeth.

3. Cultivate good habits: Cultivating good oral hygiene habits is essential for your child’s future dental health.

According to the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents are advised to help and guide their children to brush their teeth after their baby teeth erupt, brushing their teeth at least twice a day, brushing for no less than two minutes each time, and using an appropriate amount of children's toothpaste. At the same time, parents should also take their children to the dental hospital for regular examinations and health care to detect and deal with oral problems in a timely manner.

References:

[1] CDC. Oral Health Tips for Children. (2024-10-7). [2024-05-15]. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-children.html.

[2] [US] Tanya Altman, translated by Tang Ya et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Encyclopedia of Parenting (7th edition). Beijing: Beijing Science and Technology Press, 2020.12.

Author: Fan Yunzhu, Chief Physician of Jiahui Medical

Reviewer: Wu Bin, deputy chief physician of the Department of Stomatology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University