The Importance of Baby Teeth

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Everyone is born with a full set of teeth sitting in the jaw, just waiting to erupt through the gums. Even though you can’t see them, except with an x-ray, they’re still extremely important for your child’s development. At our pediatric dental office in Long Island, we’d like to explain the importance of baby teeth.

The Timing of Baby Teeth

It’s always an exciting moment when your child gets his first tooth. This typically happens around three to four months old, but can fluctuate. Some infants are even born with teeth! Usually by age three, all 20 baby teeth will be visible, and your child’s smile will look like an adult grin, just tinier. While these teeth will eventually fall out, they’re important for several reasons.

The Reasons for Baby Teeth

• Chewing. Primary teeth start to come in around the same time your child is ready for solid foods. This is no accident. Just like adult teeth, baby teeth help your child to chew easily and properly so you can start them on the right track of proper nutrition.
• Talking. As your child ages, she’ll most likely start chattering non-stop. Talking is an important step in child development as it aids in speech development, social skills, and communication. Teeth make speaking easier and allow children to pronounce words more quickly, easily, and clearly.
• Space Holders. We develop teeth at an early age to help us grow and learn many of the basic elements of life But baby teeth also play a really important part in oral health. Primary teeth act as space holders for our permanent adult teeth. Until they’re ready to pop through, baby teeth reserve the space. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to an accident or other injury, it’s important to make sure that not only is the adult tooth below it safe, but that there are no concerns for overcrowding once all adult teeth come in.

If your child is proudly sporting some tiny teeth and hasn’t been to the dentist, give our Long Island pediatric dental office a call. We’ll make sure everything looks healthy, no problems are lurking, and their grins are all set for a lifetime of smiles.

Accepting patients from Long Island, Westbury, and Nassau County.

About The Author

Dr. Glen Ehrenman

In April this year, Dr. Glen Ehrenman received a Lifetime Diplomate status and an award from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), where he has been a diplomate since 1995. Since 2010, he has been a clinical assistant professor and mentor at the State University of New York Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He has memberships with dental organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, and the Nassau County Dental Society. His commitment to excellence earned him the Top DDS of 2012 award from Long Island Pulse Magazine.

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