Why Are Baby Teeth/Milk Teeth Important?

Just because your child’s primary teeth, often known as “baby teeth,” eventually fall out, doesn’t mean they’re not important.👶🦷 They play an important role in your child’s overall health, development, and well-being.

What are the functions of primary teeth?

✔️SPEECH PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT – The proper positioning of primary teeth facilitates correct syllable pronunciation and prevents the tongue from straying during speech formation.

✔️ EATING AND NUTRITION – Children with malformed or severely decayed primary teeth are more likely to experience dietary deficiencies, malnourishment, and to be underweight. Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits and facilitate nutritious eating.

✔️ SELF CONFIDENCE- Taking good care of primary teeth can make social interactions more pleasant, reduce the risk of bad breath, and promote confident smiles and positive social interactions.

✔️STRAIGHTER SMILES – One of the major functions of primary teeth is to hold an appropriate amount of space for developing adult teeth. In addition, these spacers facilitate the proper alignment of adult teeth and also promote jaw development.

✔️ EXCELLENT ORAL HEALTH – Badly decayed primary teeth can promote the onset of childhood gum disease. To avoid gum disease, children should practice an adult-guided oral care routine each day, and infant gums should be rubbed gently with a clean, damp cloth after meals.

Much like your own permanent teeth, your child’s primary teeth require professional and at-home dental care. Decay can happen at any age, so it’s time to visit the dentist within six months of your child’s first tooth appearing, and certainly by age one. Your dentist will show you the best ways to start your child on a lifetime of good oral health habits.