Why Baby Teeth Matter

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Showing Off My Pretty Smile And Soon To Be Teeth
Showing Off My Pretty Smile And Soon To Be Teeth

Yes, there was a time when it was thought that baby teeth weren’t real teeth. It was common to hear “they’re just baby teeth, ” and “they’re going to fall out any way.”

Well, that was then and now this couldn’t be further from the truth. Baby (aka primary) teeth are important in their own right and important for the adult (aka permanent) teeth which come later on.

Starting oral health care when children are infants sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association all agree on the importance of early childhood dental care.

When Do Baby Teeth Begin To Form?

Baby teeth begin to form when you’re 12 weeks into your pregnancy.

All 20 of your child’s baby teeth are forming during your pregnancy. Not only that, at the time you’re ready to give birth, their first set of adult molars are also starting to form.

I Will Protect You Forever
I Will Protect You Forever

At What Age Does An Infant Get Their First Teeth?

Teething usually begins when a baby is about 4 to 6 months old. This continues intermittently until they’re 24 to 30 months old.

First Teeth

The first teeth to come into the mouth (aka eruption) are the bottom front teeth. The bottom teeth are followed by their top front teeth. By the time a baby is 12 months old, they have 10 baby teeth. When a child is about 24 months old they usually have all 20 of their baby teeth.

Getting Teeth
Getting Teeth

Why Baby Teeth Really Are That Important

Baby teeth may be small but they are a big deal for 4 important reasons~

  1. They help children speak clearly,
  2. Baby teeth allow children to chew their food,
  3. They aid in normal growth of their jaws,
  4. Baby teeth form the path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come into their mouth.

Taking care of baby teeth early ensures that your child’s mouth is healthy and strong.

What are your thoughts about baby teeth? Have you given them much thought? Do you feel that since their baby teeth are only in your child’s mouth for a short time they aren’t important? Tell us, we’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tip? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

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Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.