Baby (primary) teeth do more than people often realize:
- Eating and speech. They help children chew properly and form sounds.
- Space holders. They keep space for adult teeth. If one is lost too early, nearby teeth can drift, which may lead to crowding later.
- Some stay a long time. Back baby molars often remain until around ages 10 to 12.
- Untreated decay can hurt. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, which can affect sleep, eating and school.
Everyday habits that help: wipe or brush teeth as soon as they appear, use the amount of fluoride toothpaste your dentist or pediatrician recommends for your child’s age, avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, and limit sugary snacks and sipping throughout the day.
A first dental visit by around age one is commonly recommended. A pediatric or general dentist can advise on your child’s needs, and the dental glossary explains terms you may hear, like “space maintainer.”
General education only, not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Please see a licensed dentist about your own situation. For a medical emergency (trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding, a major injury or rapidly spreading swelling), call 911 or go to the nearest ER.