It can be easy to underestimate the significance of baby teeth. Some parents who assume that since their child's baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, eventually fall out and are replaced, they must be less important that the permanent teeth. But did you know that baby teeth serve purposes other than biting, chewing, and digesting food properly?Baby teeth are essential not only for your child's language development, but they also serve other important functions, like contributing to the normal development of your child's jaw bones and facial muscles. Baby teeth also reserve space for your child's future permanent teeth.
A baby tooth is intended to remain in your child's mouth until the permanent tooth underneath is ready to take its place. Sometimes, either due to a tooth being knocked out accidentally or being removed because of tooth decay, kids lose baby teeth before the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. If a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side of the open space may possibly push into the open space thereby preventing the permanent tooth from erupting into the correct position when it has fully developed.
If you have any questions about baby teeth and their important long term dental connection or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!
God Bless,
DRT
