Why are baby teeth so important?
Primary teeth are important because they help maintain good nutrition with proper chewing and eating. They help in speech development in allowing good pronunciation and speech habits. They add to an attractive appearance by helping children feel good about the way they look. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles and help guide the proper eruption of the permanent teeth into the right place. Early loss of primary teeth can ultimately lead to crooked teeth and the need for braces. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth. It is also important to remember the front/anterior teeth last until 6-8 years of age and the back/posterior molars are not replaced until 10-14 years of age.
It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for: (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) are not replaced until age 10-13.
