How Important Are Children’s Baby Teeth?

Deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth, have a very important role in your child’s oral health. Most children have 20 primary teeth by the age of three. The primary teeth are as important as permanent teeth. The baby teeth are essential for holding space in the jaws for the adult teeth. When a primary tooth is lost too soon the nearby teeth can drift into the empty space. Now, when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, there may not be enough room, causing the adult tooth to grow into an improper position. Do not panic, should your child lose a baby tooth too soon there are measures your dentist can take to maintain the space for the permanent tooth. To avoid the problems caused by loss of a primary tooth be sure your child is seen by the dentist as soon as their deciduous teeth begin to erupt. Regular professional cleanings and exams can help detect decay at the onset and the dentist can remove the caries and place a filling that will help your child to maintain a healthy mouth.