Parenthood is likely the most exciting time in your life and comes with a plethora of parenting decision to be made and tons of baby knowledge to gain. So many decisions and things to know can be quite overwhelming. With so much on your plate as a new parent it is easy to forget about something as small as baby teeth (also called primary teeth), however, baby teeth are incredibly important! We hear it all the time, “baby teeth will just fall out anyway so who cares about them?” We care and so should you!

They Serve as Placeholders for Permanent Teeth

Meaning, they hold space in the upper and lower jaw for permanent teeth that are growing under the gum line. When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find space when they come in.

They Help Baby or Youngster Chew

We have teeth for a reason and that is to chew up food for nourishment and baby/youngster needs their baby teeth to do just that until their permanent teeth come in.

Pronunciation

We use our teeth to enunciate and speak. This includes our baby teeth! Think about when a child loses both their front teeth, speech can become difficult on certain words and letters.

Smile

Our teeth make our smile and our smile is a big part of our identity.

Other Things to Know About Baby Teeth

• Before baby’s teeth arrive you can begin to care for their gums by moistening a washcloth or piece of gauze and gently wiping down your baby’s gums at least twice a day, especially after feedings and before bedtime.
• Most babies will develop teeth between 6 and 12 months.
• Fluoride should be added to your child’s diet at 6 months of age.
• You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• You should supervise brushing until at least 10 years of age.
• Make your first dental appointment when the first tooth appears.

Have more questions about baby or your kiddos teeth? Contact us to have a visit with one of our gentle family dental practitioners: 763.546.1301