As a child, we always believe in “Tooth Fairy”. The folklore states that when children lose one of their baby teeth, they should place it underneath their pillow and the Tooth Fairy will visit while they sleep, replacing the lost tooth with some coins.

While this fairytale is a fun way to excite the kids when they shed their teeth, it is important to note that losing baby teeth too early by decay or accident will cause permanent teeth to erupt prematurely and come in crooked because of limited space. According to orthodontists, 30 percent of crooked teeth cases are because of premature loss of baby teeth.1

The development of teeth begins while the baby is in the womb. At about 5 weeks’ pregnancy, the first buds of teeth appear in the baby's jaws. At birth, the baby has a full set of 20 baby teeth (10 in the upper jaw, 10 in the lower jaw) hidden under the gums. Front teeth ordinarily are shed first at about age 6 when the incisors, the middle teeth in front, become loose. Molars, in the back, are usually shed between ages 10 and 12, and are replaced with permanent teeth by about age 13.2

This baby teeth age are very crucial to be taken care of in order to have a perfectly aligned and healthy teeth during adulthood. As parents, we are not only responsible for their oral health, but also contributing to their self-esteem. While losing tooth due to accident may be unpredictable, premature baby tooth decay is something that parents can prevent.

The main culprit for baby tooth decay is sugar. Bacteria in the mouth will feed on sugars from foods and drinks. These bacteria produce acid, which damages the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel), causing a cavity or ‘hole’ in the tooth leading to tooth decay and caries.3 The food that mainly responsible for this is those snacks that are high in sugar, particularly sugar coated and consumed in between mealtimes.

Giving snack to children is fine, however the choice of snack needs to be wise. Instead of sweets or candies for snacks, try opt for healthier snack such as Appeton A-Z Kid’s Vitamin C Pastilles. It is non-sugar coated, which minimizes the sugar damage to their teeth. With 30mg of Vitamin C in each pastille, children will get an extra immune boost by just enjoying this delicious healthy snack. It comes in mixed of 6 tasty fruity flavours in each sachet which are apple, orange, strawberry, lemon, blackcurrant and mango. Parents can also use this as educational interaction with young child as this pastille has unique alphabet shapes for fun learning.

Say goodbye to sweets and candies, switch to Appeton A-Z Kid’s Vitamin C Pastilles, a healthier snack for your child now and the tooth fairy will not come earlier than they should!

Learn more: Appeton A-Z Kid’s Vitamin C Pastilles

References:

1. Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics). Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/When-Children-Begin-to-Lose-their-Baby-Teeth.aspx
2. American Detal Association (2012). Retrieved from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/tooth-decay-young-children
3. Loesche WJ. Microbiology of Dental Decay and Periodontal Disease. In: Baron S, editor. Medical Microbiology. 4th edition. Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; 1996. Chapter 99. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8259/