Parents love seeing their child’s baby teeth come in and watching that tiny smile grow. That first little tooth eventually becomes a full set — and then, before you know it, they start to fall out. It’s natural to wonder: if baby teeth are temporary, do they really matter?
The answer is yes. Baby teeth play an important role in your child’s oral health and overall development. They support chewing, speech development, jaw growth, and help guide permanent teeth into place.
At the Center for Pediatric Dental Health, we focus on caring for children’s smiles from the very beginning. Healthy baby teeth lay the foundation for healthy permanent teeth, and early habits can make a lasting difference.
Here’s a closer look at why baby teeth matter and how they support your child’s long-term dental health.
What Are Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth — also called milk teeth or deciduous teeth — are the first set of teeth your child develops. They are smaller than permanent teeth and designed to fit a child’s growing jaws.
Most children develop 20 baby teeth. As the jaws grow, they gradually make room for the larger permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. Adults typically have 32 permanent teeth, including premolars and wisdom teeth.
Although baby teeth are temporary, their role during early childhood is significant.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Most babies begin teething around six months of age. The first tooth to erupt is usually a lower central incisor (one of the bottom front teeth). Soon after, the top front teeth follow.
Teeth continue erupting gradually until about age 3, when most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth. Around age 6, those teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out to make room for permanent teeth.
Under the gums, permanent teeth are developing and positioning themselves. Baby teeth help maintain space and guide permanent teeth into their proper positions as they erupt.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth do much more than simply “hold space.” They support several important aspects of your child’s development.
Biting, Chewing, and Nutrition
As children transition from milk or formula to solid foods, baby teeth help them learn how to bite, tear, and grind food properly. Chewing food thoroughly helps break it down before it reaches the stomach.
Developing proper chewing skills supports healthy digestion and allows children to enjoy a wider variety of nutritious foods during important growth years.
Speech and Language Development
Teeth also play a role in forming certain speech sounds. The tongue often contacts the teeth to produce sounds such as “s,” “th,” “t,” “l,” and “ch.”
While speech development involves many factors, properly positioned teeth can help support clear pronunciation as children learn to speak.
Guiding Permanent Teeth
One of the most important roles of baby teeth is maintaining space for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth falls out naturally, the permanent tooth beneath it fills that space.
If a baby tooth is lost too early due to injury or decay, neighboring teeth may shift into the open space. This can affect the timing of permanent tooth eruption and may contribute to crowding or alignment issues later. In some cases, a dentist may recommend a space maintainer to help preserve proper spacing.
Caring for Baby Teeth at Home
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they still require daily care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts.
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor how your child’s teeth are developing and erupting. These visits also help identify early signs of tooth decay or gum concerns.
To protect baby teeth at home:
- Clean your baby’s gums with a warm, damp washcloth after feedings before teeth erupt.
- Once teeth appear, brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Use a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste for children under age 3.
- For children ages 3 and older, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once daily once teeth begin touching. Some families prefer to floss before brushing so fluoride toothpaste can better reach those areas.
Teaching good oral hygiene habits early helps children become comfortable with brushing and flossing as part of their daily routine.
Do Cavities in Baby Teeth Matter?
Yes. Tooth decay can occur in baby teeth, and untreated cavities can cause discomfort, infection, and early tooth loss.
Early tooth loss due to severe decay or periodontal disease can affect the spacing of permanent teeth. Maintaining healthy baby teeth supports proper development and reduces the risk of future complications.
Preventive care, healthy eating habits, and regular dental visits all play an important role in protecting your child’s smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teeth
At what age should my child use fluoride toothpaste?
Children under age 3 should use a small smear (grain-of-rice size) of fluoride toothpaste. Children ages 3 and older can use a pea-sized amount. Your pediatric dentist can provide guidance based on your child’s needs.
What should I use before teeth come in?
Before teeth erupt, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after feedings. This helps keep the mouth clean and builds early oral care habits.
What if my child loses a tooth early?
If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected due to injury or decay, contact your dentist. In some cases, a space maintainer may be recommended to preserve proper spacing for permanent teeth.
What if my child’s baby teeth are crooked?
Crooked baby teeth do not always mean permanent teeth will be crooked. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to monitor development and alignment.
Pediatric Dental Care in Sicklerville, NJ
Your child’s baby teeth are just as important as their permanent teeth, which is why you need to teach your child to care for them early. Learning good oral hygiene habits early will help them enjoy a great, healthy smile for a lifetime.
If your child is ready to see a pediatric dentist in Sicklerville, NJ, Mount Laurel, NJ, or Woolrich Township, NJ, schedule an appointment with the Center for Pediatric Dental Health. From baby teeth to permanent teeth, we’ll take care of your child’s beautiful smile!
