Foundations of a Healthy Smile: The Significance of Baby Teeth

You must have seen your little 6-month-old baby getting tiny white pearls popping out of their gums. These are the first set of teeth called primary or baby teeth that begin to erupt as early as 6-7 months old. As the saying goes “They are just baby teeth and hold no significance!” is considered to be a myth! 

Pediatric specialists at the dentist office in San Jose, California emphasize the importance of primary teeth and educating parents about their significance. Let’s find out why primary teeth are important! 

What are primary teeth?

Primary teeth, also known as baby or milk teeth, begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. Teeth begin to erupt above the gums approximately 6 to 9 months after birth. Typically children get a set of 20 baby teeth by the time they begin preschool.

What are the functions of primary teeth?

The major functions of primary teeth are described below:

• • Proper alignment of primary teeth helps in proper speech and phonetics.
  • Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits and facilitate nutritious eating 

• Children with healthy and pleasing teeth and gums help build a sense of confidence in them and offer positive social interactions 

• They hold an appropriate space for adult or permanent teeth to erupt 
• They act as natural placeholders for permanent teeth
• They impart a healthy, beautifully aligned, and symmetrical smile 

Why are they important?

The health and care of your child’s primary teeth is significant for several reasons. Taking care of primary teeth can pave the way for healthy and strong permanent dentition. 

Any damage or decay to the primary teeth can compromise oral health, form, and aesthetics. This can lead to poor nutrition and a lack of self-esteem. Furthermore, the infection can spread to the underlying permanent tooth buds damaging them as well. 

Extensive tooth decay and gum disease in primary teeth can result in tooth loss, which can hamper the natural space maintained by them for the permanent teeth to erupt in a correct alignment. 

How to care for your child’s primary teeth?

As a parent, you must ensure to care for your child’s baby teeth in the following ways:

• Clean your child’s gums from 3 months of age by rubbing them with moist cotton or gauze
• Avoid giving the bottle at night for longer periods 
• Avoid giving your child sugar at least for 1 year after birth
• Brush the teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush when their primary teeth erupt 
• Use fluoride toothpastes 
• Take them to the dentist at least once in 6 months 

Your child’s primary teeth are the cornerstone for the eruption of their permanent teeth in a proper alignment.