Trusted Independent Brisbane Dentists in Chermside

Why Treat Baby Teeth When They Are Only Going To Fall Out Anyway?

No parent wants to see…

Hold onto those baby teeth for as long as you can

Dr Darryl Marsh writes… In this blog entry I want to continue to focus on dental issues for children, and talk about why this is an important issue when these teeth are just going to fall out eventually.

On the surface it may seem like a waste of time and effort to keep baby teeth when they are going to fall out. And certainly no young child wants to have a filling when they could get away without it. Nor does any parent want to see their child suffer from a toothache or other dental pain.

For some baby teeth this thinking is valid, but in reality all baby teeth are not of equal importance. While mum and dad may think the front teeth are the most important teeth in their child’s mouth, to a dentist the very back baby teeth are the critical ones to keep.

The reason for this is not because we dentists don’t care about children having a beautiful smile (in fact, I love kids smiles); it’s more that we have in mind the longer-term good of the child.

Keep baby molars as long as you can

One of the most frustrating and difficult clinical situations is when a child loses their last deciduous (baby) molar tooth. These are the teeth that hold the adult molar (that comes in when they are 6-7 years old), in position so that all subsequent adult teeth erupt within their proper place.

When these baby molars are lost, the adult 6-year molars drift forwards and cause the adult premolar teeth (which normally erupt between the age of 10 to 12) to become impacted under them.

This can cause major complications, such as the damage and loss of adult teeth, or the adult teeth not meshing together properly.

The result is often poor chewing ability and excessive wear of the adult teeth. And once the teeth are impacted, the surgery to remove them can be tricky, to say the least. A most unfortunate and expensive consequence of losing ‘just a baby tooth’.

Of course there are ways to prevent this from happening and in my next blog post I will give some advice to parents in caring for their children’s precious teeth.

Keep smiling!

Darryl Marsh

Recent Blog Posts

Gum Receding Brisbane

Understanding the Risks of Gum Receding

"I've noticed that one tooth is growing longer than the rest. Sometimes it looks less red and doesn't bleed, but […]
View Post
Bad Breath Causes

Exhale with Confidence: A Deep Dive into What Causes Bad Breath?

“Despite my efforts to maintain good oral health, I've developed a bitter taste in my mouth. Any ideas on what […]
View Post

There Is No Need To Fear

Fearing or not visiting the dentist is common. But there is a solution…
View Post
1 2 3 23

What Our Patients Are Saying

"When you’re prepared to drive more than 2000km to visit the dentist

it says everything you need to know about the service from the incredible team at Today’s Dentistry!"
Ross McHutcheon

"After 30 years of being terrified and avoiding dentists I have finally found "the one".

I could not recommend this place more. From the staff to the facilities, I have absolutely nothing to fault. My phobia is
gone and I will go nowhere else."
Lauren West

"The interior of the dentist feels more like a 5 star hotel spa and provides a very comfortable,

almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."

Adele Rooney

Get A Custom Dental Roadmap

Dental roadmap in Brisbane

Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.

Your first appointment includes:

An Intraoral Scan displayed on our chair-side TV so you see what we’re seeing.
A review of your Dental Roadmap, including interest-free payment plan options.
Diagnostic X-Rays to spot any hidden issues.

Our Ratings

todays dentistry google reviews

4.9 (159 reviews)

todays dentistry facebook reviews

4.9 (145 reviews)

todays dentistry true local reviews

4.9 (40 reviews)

Today's Dentistry Location Best in Chermside, Brisbane

Today's Dentistry
Is Located At

91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm

Fri 8.30am - 2pm

Phone