Why Are Primary Teeth Important?
Patient educationWhy Are Primary Teeth Important?
Primary teeth, also called “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin developing beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is a common misconception that they don’t matter for a child’s future oral health; the American Dental Association (ADA) urges parents to schedule a “baby checkup” with a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth emerging.
How primary teeth come in
Teeth begin to emerge six months to a year after birth, gradually and usually starting at the front of the mouth. Most children have all 20 baby teeth, including four molars on each arch, by around age three. Teething can be painful; chewing rings, wet gauze pads and clean fingers help soothe tender gums.
- SpeechProperly positioned teeth help children pronounce syllables correctly and keep the tongue in place, which supports cognitive, social and emotional development.
- Eating and nutritionHealthy teeth build good chewing habits; children with malformed or badly decayed teeth are more likely to be malnourished or underweight.
- Self-confidenceWell-cared-for teeth reduce bad breath and support confident smiles and positive social interactions.
- Straighter smilesPrimary teeth hold space for adult teeth, guide their alignment and promote jaw development. When one is lost early, the others shift, so pediatric dentists often recommend space maintainers.
- Oral healthBadly decayed primary teeth can lead to childhood periodontal disease, in which bacteria erode gums, ligaments and bone, and teeth can fall out, causing problems for permanent teeth.
Protecting them
Children should follow an adult-guided oral care routine every day, and infant gums should be wiped gently with a clean, damp cloth after meals. If you have questions or concerns about primary teeth, please Contact Us.
When Will My Baby's Teeth Come In?
A short video from the American Dental Association.
Care for Your Child's Teeth
Pediatric oral care has two main components: preventative care at the dentist’s office and preventative care at home.How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?
Twice-yearly dental visits for children, starting about six months after the first tooth appears, and what each checkup covers.Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
For most infants, the sucking of thumbs and pacifiers is a happy, everyday part of life.Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.Sealing Out Tooth Decay
Tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers.Pediatric Dentistry
Our emphasis is on total preventive care of your entire family.
New patients welcome
Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.