When it comes to children’s dental care, many parents wonder: “Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?”

The answer is a definite yes. At Tooth + Tusk Pediatric Dentistry in Beaverton, OR, we help families understand that caring for baby teeth is about far more than just appearance; it’s about your child’s overall health and development.

Here’s why your child’s primary teeth are essential, and how to care for them from the very start.

What Are Primary Teeth?

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, typically begin to emerge around 6 months of age. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth. While they eventually fall out to make way for permanent teeth, they serve critical roles in your child’s health and development.

1. Baby Teeth Help with Speech and Nutrition

Your child’s ability to speak clearly and chew food properly depends on having healthy, intact baby teeth. Missing or decayed teeth can affect speech patterns and make it hard for your child to enjoy a balanced diet, leading to nutrition concerns.

2. They Guide Permanent Teeth into Place

Think of baby teeth as placeholders for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, due to injury or decay, the surrounding teeth may shift, causing crowding or alignment issues that often require orthodontic treatment later on.

3. Cavities in Baby Teeth Can Lead to Infections

A common myth is that cavities in baby teeth don’t matter. But untreated tooth decay can lead to serious issues like pain, infection, and abscesses, which may spread to nearby teeth or gums, or even affect permanent teeth still developing beneath them.

4. Healthy Teeth Build Healthy Habits

Caring for baby teeth sets the stage for lifelong oral health. Teaching your child to brush and floss early helps them build strong hygiene habits and reduce dental anxiety down the line.

5. Oral Health Is Linked to Overall Health

Dental infections and chronic pain in children can impact immune function, growth, and even school performance due to sleep disruptions or missed class time. Keeping baby teeth healthy contributes to your child’s total well-being.

Tips to Keep Baby Teeth Healthy

• Begin brushing with a fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
• Floss once two teeth touch.
• Avoid sugary drinks in bottles or sippy cups, especially before bed.
• Schedule a dental visit by age 1.
• Bring your child for checkups every 6 months at Tooth + Tusk Pediatric Dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do baby teeth need to be filled if they get cavities?
Yes! Cavities can cause pain, spread infection, and disrupt the path of incoming permanent teeth.

What happens if a baby tooth falls out too early?
Your child may need a space maintainer to prevent shifting and make room for the adult tooth.

Is fluoride toothpaste safe for young children?
Yes, use a smear (rice-sized) for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount after age 3.

Can my child’s diet affect their baby teeth?
Absolutely. A diet high in sugar or acidic drinks increases the risk of decay. Encourage water, fruits, and vegetables instead.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with Gentle Pediatric Dentistry in Beaverton, OR

At Tooth + Tusk, we’re committed to helping your child thrive with healthy teeth from day one. Our experienced team creates a fun, stress-free environment to support your family’s dental goals.

Schedule your child’s checkup today at our Beaverton office and give them a smile that lasts a lifetime.