It’s easy to think of baby teeth as temporary. After all, they’re eventually going to fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth.
But baby teeth, also called primary teeth, have several important jobs to do before that happens.
Baby Teeth Help Children Eat and Speak
Healthy teeth help children bite and chew a wide variety of foods. They also play a role in speech development as children learn to form different sounds and words.
Painful or badly decayed teeth can make everyday things like eating, brushing and even sleeping uncomfortable.
They Save Space for Permanent Teeth
One of the most important jobs of baby teeth is holding space for the permanent teeth developing underneath them.
If a baby tooth is lost much earlier than expected because of decay or infection, nearby teeth can shift into the empty space. In some cases, that can leave less room for the permanent tooth to come in properly.
Baby Teeth Stick Around Longer Than You Might Think
Children usually begin losing their front baby teeth around age six, but some of their back baby teeth aren’t naturally lost until around age 10 to 12.
That means some of those supposedly temporary teeth need to remain healthy and functional for a decade or more.
Cavities in Baby Teeth Still Matter
A cavity in a baby tooth isn’t harmless simply because the tooth will eventually fall out.
Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infection and may eventually require more extensive dental treatment. Young children aren’t always able to explain that a tooth hurts, so dental problems can sometimes show up as changes in eating, sleeping or behaviour.
Healthy Baby Teeth Help Set the Stage for Healthy Adult Teeth
Caring for baby teeth also gives children a chance to establish good habits early.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, eating and drinking habits that help protect teeth, and regular dental care can all become normal parts of a child’s routine long before their permanent teeth arrive.
If you’re wondering when to start brushing, when your child should first visit the dentist or how much fluoride toothpaste to use, we’ve put the basics together in "Caring for you Child's Teeth".
Baby Teeth Have an Important Job To Do
Keeping primary teeth healthy helps children eat comfortably, develop normally and maintain the space their permanent teeth will eventually need.
Taking care of them now is an important part of protecting your child’s oral health as they grow. Contact us at Metral Dental to book an appointment for your family.
