Why Baby Teeth Matter

Why Baby Teeth Matter | Potomac Pediatric Dentistry

Dental health is important at all ages. Many people don’t consider the maintenance and care of baby teeth as a priority. This mistaken belief leads to harmful habits that disrupt a child’s development of healthy adult teeth.

Primary Teeth

These are the set of teeth infants are born with, commonly called baby teeth. They usually erupt when children are about six months old, with most children having a full set of twenty by the age of 3.

Jaw Development

Baby teeth hold spaces in the jaw. This ensures that adult teeth slide into their correct spot when they begin coming in at around age 6. Adult teeth push through to any available space when baby teeth are missing, causing crooked or overcrowded teeth.

Speech

Baby teeth keep a child’s tongue in place as they learn to speak. Absent teeth lead to difficulties in children’s ability to communicate, causing confidence and speech issues.

Nutrition

 
Baby teeth allow children to break down complex foods to absorb nutrients that can’t be obtained from milk alone. Unhealthy baby teeth prevent children from eating properly, leaving them vulnerable to health issues related to lack of proper nutrition.

Early Intervention

 
Make sure that babies begin seeing a dentist within six months of the appearance of their first tooth. It’s important to report any lost or missing teeth to a dentist as soon as possible to avoid problems affecting them as adults.

Potomac Pediatric Dentistry understands the importance of starting preventative dental checks early. We keep parents informed, helping them avoid making mistakes that can lead to lifetime dental issues for their child.

Contact Potomac Pediatric Dentistry either online or by calling us at 703-221-4040. Let’s work together to provide your child with the best dental care!

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