The Importance of Baby Teeth

Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?

By Pediatric Dentist Gayatri Bhosale-Mohite

Baby teeth or “milk teeth” play a vital role in a child’s physical, emotional, and social development for many reasons. Unfortunately, many parents are under the impression that since they fall out eventually, it’s not crucial to take care of baby teeth.

Here are a few reasons why baby teeth are actually very important for your child:

Overall Health and Nutrition: Healthy teeth are essential for chewing; unhealthy decayed teeth can cause nutritional deficiency. Untreated carious teeth can lead to severe infection that can spread rapidly to other areas of the body such as brain and neck at which time hospitalization is needed.
Alignment and Position of Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth are space savers that hold space and guide the adult teeth in its proper position. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, adjacent teeth can drift in the open space and create inadequate space for the eruption of adult teeth, which leads to crowding or impaction.
Stimulating Normal Development of The Facial Bones And Muscles: Also partly responsible for the development of healthy adult teeth, the permanent tooth bud is in close proximity to the baby teeth. If the carious baby teeth are left untreated, the decay spreads quickly in the form of infection toward the developing adult tooth hindering its development and causing permanent damage
Speech Development: The presence and positioning of baby teeth help in the formation of correct pronunciation.
Self Esteem: Decayed or missing teeth can cause a lack of confidence and social interaction.

5 Mistakes Parents Make with Their Children’s Teeth

You can help keep your child’s mouth healthy by avoiding making these mistakes:

Delaying or not giving importance to a ‘well-baby checkup.’ The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends establishing a Dental Home by age one. The recommendation is that the child’s first visit to the dentist occurs by age one or within six months of their first tooth.
Letting babies go to bed with a bottle.
Lack of brushing with toothpaste and flossing—many parents are not aware of the significance of routine home oral care.
Quality vs. quantity of high sugar diet—excessive sugary drinks (juice, flavored milk, soda) and snacks such as fruit snacks, cookies, and candy.
Opting out of X-rays. Dental X-rays are a valuable tool for diagnosing dental diseases.

How to Practice Good Oral Health for Your Children

Be Bullish on Brushing; make brushing fun, not a battle! Here are some ways to help your child maintain good oral health:

Brush together. Routine oral care habit makes an impact as kids get older, they choose to implement the habits learned from parents and caregivers.
Start early. Infants’ dental ridges and tongue need to be wiped frequently with moist gauze pad or washcloth.
Once teeth start to erupt, use age-appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste and follow the rule of two: brush twice daily for two minutes, followed by flossing.
Remember, children under three just need a rice grain size of fluoride toothpaste and pea size for children between ages 3-6.

Schedule Routine Dental Appointments After the First Dental Visit

Just like adult routine visits, children need to see their dentist every six months unless advised otherwise.

Besides oral examination, cleaning, and fluoride treatment, X-rays may be recommended based on high risk for cavities. There is very little risk in X-rays, as lead aprons and high-speed digital films are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation to the child.

To reduce your child’s anxiety about going to the dentist, prepare your child a few days prior to the visit by talking in a positive manner, reading or watching videos about the dental visit, which will make them less fearful and more confident.

Bogart Dental Clinic is affordable dentistry in Newmarket. At Bogart Dental we understand the importance of your little ones oral care and sometimes bringing them to the dentist can be scary. But at Bogart Dental we are here to answer all questions and concerns you may have at 647-955-3235.

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What to Do if You Chip a Tooth?

By Elizabet Uzel • July 21, 2026

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bit into something hard, suffered a sports injury, or experienced an accidental fall, seeing a piece of your tooth break off can be alarming. The good news is that many chipped teeth can be repaired quickly and effectively with modern dental treatments. If you've chipped a tooth, knowing what to do next can help reduce discomfort and protect your smile until you can visit your dentist. Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage Not every chipped tooth is a dental emergency. Some chips are small and only affect the outer enamel, while others expose deeper layers of the tooth and require immediate care. Take a look at the affected tooth in a mirror if possible. If you notice severe pain, significant bleeding, or a large portion of the tooth has broken off, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris and help keep the area clean. If the injury caused bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze until it stops. Step 3: Save Any Broken Pieces If you can find the chipped fragment, carefully pick it up and store it in a clean container or a small amount of milk. While it's not always possible to reattach the piece, bringing it to your dental appointment gives your dentist the opportunity to determine whether it can be used during treatment. Step 4: Protect the Tooth A chipped tooth may have sharp edges that can irritate your tongue, lips, or cheeks. If needed, cover the rough edge with temporary dental wax, available at most pharmacies, until you can see your dentist. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until the tooth has been evaluated. Step 5: Manage Discomfort If you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, consider: Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Avoiding extremely hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and beverages that may trigger sensitivity. When Should You See a Dentist? Even if the chip seems minor, it's important to schedule a dental examination. A small crack can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of further damage or decay if left untreated. Seek prompt dental care if you experience: Severe or persistent tooth pain Sensitivity that doesn't improve A large piece of the tooth has broken off The tooth appears cracked down to the gumline Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection Difficulty biting or chewing How Dentists Repair Chipped Teeth The best treatment depends on the size and location of the chip. Your dentist may recommend one of the following options: Dental Bonding For small chips, tooth-coloured composite resin can be carefully shaped and polished to restore the tooth's natural appearance. Dental bonding is often completed in a single visit. Dental Veneers If the chip affects a front tooth or involves cosmetic concerns, a porcelain veneer may be recommended to restore both appearance and strength. Dental Crowns For larger fractures that weaken the tooth, a dental crown provides full coverage and protection while restoring function. Root Canal Treatment If the chip exposes the tooth's nerve or causes significant damage to the pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary before restoring the tooth with a crown. Can a Chipped Tooth Heal on Its Own? Unlike other parts of your body, tooth enamel does not regenerate. A chipped tooth won't repair itself, even if it doesn't hurt. That's why prompt dental care is important to prevent further damage and maintain your oral health. Tips to Prevent Chipped Teeth While accidents can't always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by: Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports. Avoiding chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels. Never using your teeth to open packages or bottles. Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. Visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care and early detection of weakened teeth. Don't Ignore a Chipped Tooth A chipped tooth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but delaying treatment can lead to bigger dental problems. Early evaluation allows your dentist to recommend the most conservative and effective treatment, helping you preserve your natural tooth and avoid more extensive procedures later. If you've chipped a tooth, contact our dental team as soon as possible. We're here to provide prompt, compassionate care and restore your smile with treatment tailored to your needs. At Bogart Dental we offer only what you need dentistry in Scarborough. Call us today at 416-222-82-96 for a general review to discuss the best procedure for you.