Caring for primary teeth

Why is it important to keep primary teeth healthy?

Many parents underestimate the importance of primary teeth because they are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. In fact, primary teeth are essential for a child’s overall health and development.

Primary teeth begin to erupt as early as a child’s first year of life. At around 6 years of age, they begin to be replaced by permanent teeth, and the last primary teeth are not replaced until ages 11–13.

Consequences of primary tooth loss

Premature removal of a primary tooth can lead to:

• Malocclusion – permanent teeth move into the empty space, which affects jaw growth.
• Eating and speech difficulties – changes in the mouth make eating and the correct pronunciation of sounds more difficult.

How to prevent damage to primary teeth?

Unfortunately, it is often thought that primary tooth decay is hereditary, but in reality, the main culprits are poor oral hygiene and harmful dietary habits. Millions of bacteria living in dental plaque use carbohydrates for their vital functions; as a result of breaking them down, acids are produced as a byproduct, which demineralize the tooth’s hard tissue, leading to the formation of cavities. The only way to stop this is through regular and proper brushing, as inflammation of a primary tooth can also damage permanent teeth.

Therefore, it is important to:

• Clean the child’s teeth regularly – until the age of 12, parents should ensure that the child brushes their teeth properly. A toddler’s teeth should be brushed by an adult.
• Educate children on the importance of dental hygiene – explain to them in simple language why brushing is important.
• Motivate them and use innovative tools – for example, the Philips Sonicare for Kids toothbrush, which makes brushing easier and more fun.
• Visit the dentist – children should visit the dentist on average every 6 months.

Philips Sonicare for Kids – a fun and effective solution

Philips Sonicare for Kids is an electric toothbrush that combines innovative technology with playfulness. The brush’s rapid movement removes plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. The brush can be used with a smart app where the child gets a virtual friend, Sparkly, who teaches proper brushing techniques and shares useful tips.

App features:

• Shows on-screen how to brush teeth correctly.
• Tracks the child’s progress and provides rewards for every brushing session.
• Establishes the habit of brushing teeth twice a day for 2 minutes.

Care becomes a habit

Just as music or sports training requires quality equipment and consistency, the same applies to dental care. The right tools and parental guidance help children build a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime. Let’s work together to ensure our children have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile!