Your child  bites into an apple and then  starts talking to her friend about yesterday's math homework. Suddenly something feels funny - one of your child’s baby tooth has fallen out! Before your child puts that tooth under the pillow, did you know that there is much more to that tooth than meets the eye? Baby teeth are important because they hold the place for permanent teeth and help them guide them into correct position. They also play a  vital role in the development of speech and chewing. So what's the difference between baby teeth and permanent teeth?
Between six and ten months of age, most infants begin to get their baby teeth. By the time a child has reached three years, most of the baby teeth should be present. The process begins to repeat itself when the child is about seven years old. By the age of 21, most people have all of their permanent teeth.
Your mouth is a busy place. Bacteria - tiny colonies of living organisms are constantly on the move on your teeth, gums, lips and tongue. Certain types of bacteria, however, can attach themselves to hard surfaces like the enamel that cover your teeth.
Prevention
If they're not removed, they multiply and grow in number. Proteins that are present in the saliva (spit) also mix in and the bacteria colony becomes a whitish film on the tooth. This film is called plaque, and this causes cavities.
Beat the clock - foods that are eaten during a meal usually pose less of a threat to teeth because of the additional saliva produced during mealtime eating. Saliva helps to wash food particles from your mouth and lessen the damage from acid.
Brush and floss those teeth - toothbrushing is important, and you should brush twice a day. Did you know that if you don't floss, you miss cleaning up to 35 per cent of each tooth?. Also remember that the ideal time for a child to begin flossing is  "Once any two teeth touch one another."
Stock up on Dairy Products - yoghurt and cheese, milk and milk products contain things that are good for your teeth. Everything that's made from milk is a good source of calcium - an essential nutrient for the development of bones and teeth. Some scientific studies have shown that eating cheese might actually help to protect your teeth from cavities.
Flouride
If your dentist recommends a fluoride treatment during your next dental                          visit, you'll be receiving topical protection. The fluoride your dentist puts in your child’s mouth will help make the crystals in the tooth enamel stronger and are much more resistant to acid. Also, use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
Parental involvement is the key during the growing years of a child’s oral hygiene practices. Parents should be well informed about the  health risks that poor oral health poses to their children. Likewise, parents should be  educated on the benefits of what preventive dental care has to offer today. You've likely heard this before but this is something worth repeating: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

The author is a general dentist at the Columbia Asia Hospital