It’s true that baby teeth will one day be replaced by adult teeth, but that doesn’t mean they are not important to care for. Leading children's dentist Allen K. Hirai, DDS of Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI, asserts that they are incredibly important both for the child’s overall health and the health of their future teeth. Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, usually appear as early as three or four months of age, but really start to show up between the ages of six months to one year. As soon as they appear, it's important to make regular visits to a pediatric dental specialist. Here are a few facts about primary teeth: 

• Primary teeth help children chew their first solid foods easily.

• Primary teeth help children speak more quickly and more clearly.
• Primary teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.
• Primary teeth are just as prone to cavities as adult teeth. In fact, more than 50% of children will be affected by tooth decay before the age of five.
• When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent teeth behind it can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room.

Establishing good oral habits early is extremely important to protect those primary teeth and ensure that your child has a healthy adult smile and a great hygiene routine for the rest of his or her life. To learn more about caring for baby teeth or to schedule your child’s first dental visit, call Pediatric Dentistry Kahala at (808) 737-0076, or visit their website today!