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Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Baby's teeth, Baby teeth are indeed important.

Your child’s baby teeth will begin to erupt between the ages of 6-12 months. By the time your child is around the age of 3, he or she may have all 20 baby teeth. Even though these teeth are called ‘baby teeth,’ they have to last your child until he or she is in the early teenage years, so they’re very important teeth to care for!

Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are very important. This is because they:

  • Allow your child to more properly chew their food
  • Help your child to speak more clearly and easily
  • Save space in the jaw for permanent teeth to grow into
  • Provide a foundation for good oral hygiene habits for the rest of your child’s life

Because your child’s tooth enamel is thinner, they’re much more vulnerable to dental cavities and tooth decay. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that more than half of American children will have suffered from a dental cavity or decay before the age of 5. In more severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted, which can cause problems with the spacing of adult teeth.

The best way for you to make sure your child’s baby teeth are kept healthy and beautiful is to help your children learn good oral hygiene habits. Make sure you’re helping your kids brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit our office every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup with Dr. Lane.

To make an appointment for your child’s regular dental exam, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry here in Greensboro, NC. We also see patients from Summerfield, and Oak Ridge; as well as the children living within neighborhoods like New & Old Irving Park, Forest Valley, Friendly Acres, and more.