As you know, baby teeth naturally fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. They’re an important part of development, allowing your child to start on solid foods, develop speech and more. They also act as placeholders for the permanent teeth that are yet to come. But they aren’t to be taken lightly. Some people mistakenly believe that baby teeth don’t matter, since they’ll be falling out eventually. That leads many parents to delay visits to a pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH until the first permanent tooth comes in. However, baby teeth need to be seen by a dentist, as well, since problems with baby teeth can lead to long-term oral health issues, including misalignment and difficulty chewing. Here are signs that your child’s baby teeth are at risk of tooth decay:

Swelling or Redness Around the Gums

If you see swelling, redness or bleeding gums, your child may have a gum disease or some kind of infection. Even if you think that gum issues at this early stage in life is a minor concern, the things is that they can affect the health of the baby teeth and even make a less inviting environment for the permanent teeth that will come in the future.

Early Tooth Loss

Baby teeth are meant to fall out naturally when it’s time for permanent teeth to come in. That’s how nature designed it. However, if your child loses a tooth too early due to decay or injury, it can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to alignment problems. This shifting can also make it harder for permanent teeth to grow in correctly. Early tooth loss is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.

Persistent Bad Breath

If your child has persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of an oral infection. This is especially concerning if regular brushing and flossing don’t seem to help. An unpleasant odor in your child’s mouth could be a symptom of tooth decay, gum disease, or even an underlying infection, all of which require prompt dental care.

Your child’s first dentist appointment should be no later than their first birthday or when their first tooth makes an appearance. From there, your family dentist in Bellbrook, OH will be able to monitor your child’s oral health through regular dental visits. Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry to learn more.