Barely visible at first, arriving out of the blue, and disappearing as quickly as they come, many people may wonder if baby teeth are important at all. The answer is yes – baby teeth, or primary teeth, are a crucial part of your child’s overall dental hygiene and they should be given proper dental care and attention from a pediatric dentist.

• Baby teeth help children chew properly. Thanks to them, your baby can learn to eat safely and experience new tastes and textures. Healthy primary teeth are often linked to better nutrition and eating habits in older children.
• Teeth play a vital role in speech development. Some sounds require certain tongue movements against the teeth, and without them, speech can be delayed or impeded.
• Primary teeth help align permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early, other teeth can drift over onto the space, leaving the permanent tooth with no place to go. This could result in future time-consuming and costly orthodontic procedures.
• Teeth are important in terms of self-esteem. A smile brightens everyone’s face, but children with dental problems may be self-conscious about their smiles. Having good dental hygiene from the beginning will give your child a smile to be proud of and one they will be happy to maintain.
• Baby teeth establish hygiene habits. Neglected primary teeth can lead to childhood periodontal disease. Gums and other oral tissues can become infected by bacteria that can lead to tooth loss and long-term bone and ligament damage.

A pediatric dentist is your ally in promoting oral health in your children from the start. For more information on dental care for kids or to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists, call the Pediatric Dental Group Honolulu office at (808) 593-8828, or the Lihue office at (808) 245-2131.