Parents and children alike often underestimate the role of baby teeth. They are, in a word, foundational. Luv Braces wants you to have a thorough understanding of how important baby teeth are and how to help kids care for them properly.
The Role of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth actually serve a number of different purposes in terms of a child’s oral health. It’s true that they fall out eventually, but while they’re in place, they have some important jobs to do. Dr. Chan is our pediatric dentist at Luv Braces and can help explain their roles further:
- Foundation for Permanent Teeth Alignment – Baby teeth act as natural guides, holding space for permanent teeth and helping them emerge in the correct position.
- Speech Clarity – Baby teeth play a significant role in helping children form words and articulate sounds properly, laying the groundwork for clear speech down the road.
- Chewing & Nutrition – Healthy baby teeth allow children to chew food thoroughly, ensuring easy digestion and supporting overall growth and development.
- Prevention of Dental Issues Later – Establishing early dental care habits reduces the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and alignment problems in permanent teeth.
- Confidence & Emotional Well-Being – A bright, healthy smile can contribute to a child’s self-esteem and produce positive social interactions.
Baby Teeth and Orthodontics
We want to highlight this connection since orthodontic treatment is a big part of what we do at Luv Braces with Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour. Baby teeth direct the placement of permanent teeth, and if they fall out too early due to cavities or trauma, adult teeth may come in crooked or misaligned.
Early orthodontic evaluations (around age seven) help detect potential crowding, bite issues, or spacing problems before they become serious. In some cases, interceptive orthodontic treatment may be recommended to guide proper jaw and tooth development. Luckily, our office can be a single stop for both children’s dental and orthodontic needs!
Maintaining Healthy Baby Teeth
Taking care of baby teeth isn’t too labor intensive, thankfully—but it does take some intentionality and diligence, especially for young children. Here are a few valuable tips for keeping baby teeth in good shape:
- Break Bad Oral Habits Early: Thumb-sucking and pacifier use beyond age three or four can cause bite problems. Try to help your child to transition away from these habits early. Our team can help support you in this process if challenges arise.
- Encourage Drinking Water: Water helps wash away food particles and strengthen enamel and, of course, provides many other bodily benefits. Encourage your child to drink water instead of sugary drinks when possible.
- Teach Proper Brushing and Flossing Habits: You should always try to supervise brushing and flossing until your child can do it correctly. Luckily, there are lots of ways to make oral care feel more fun, with flavored toothpaste, timers, or reward charts.
- Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: If you have an infant, do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle containing milk, juice, or formula, as sugars can pool around the teeth and possibly cause decay. Instead, offer plain water if needed. The same idea applies to what older kids may drink or snack on before bed.
Common Questions About Baby Teeth
When do baby teeth start coming in?
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, usually begin to appear around six months of age, though some babies may get them earlier or later. The lower front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to emerge. If you have any questions about the teething process, let Dr. Chan know.
What if my baby’s teeth emerge crooked?
Baby teeth may appear crooked, but they often shift into better alignment as the jaw grows. If concerns persist, an orthodontic evaluation will be able to determine if treatment is necessary.
What other pediatric dental services do you offer at Luv Braces?
Our team provides a full range of pediatric dentistry services:
- Early assessments detect potential risks early.
- Cleanings and exams remove plaque and check for cavities.
- Oral sedation can keep your child comfortable during treatment.
- Fillings and sealants often prevent and treat cavities before they worsen.
- Pediatric crowns can restore decayed or damaged baby teeth.
- Pulp therapy treats infections in baby teeth.
- Extractions are available to remove teeth when necessary for oral health.
Firmer Foundations
Our team is honored to play a huge part in your child’s oral health experience—and the earlier we begin, the better. You can schedule a pediatric dental appointment with Dr. Chan in Bee Cave today!