Growing and losing teeth is one of the big milestones of growing up. Your child's baby teeth won't be with them forever—but while they're there, they play an important role in your child's health and development. Here's what every dentist wants you to know about baby teeth.

What to Expect

Baby teeth, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth, usually begin growing in when your child is between four and seven months old. There are twenty of them, with 10 on top and 10 on the bottom. The lower front incisors usually grow in first, followed by the matching top teeth, then the rest of the teeth working back toward the molars. Starting around age six or seven, these teeth start to fall out in about the same order they came in.

Why Care for Baby Teeth Is Important

Because baby teeth are temporary, some parents believe it isn't important to brush them, floss them, or take their child to the dentist regularly. However, the dental care you provide when your child is small is actually essential for their development. First, healthy teeth help your child maintain a varied and healthy diet, which provides them with the nutrients they need to grow. In addition, their teeth also help your child learn to speak. When lost early, this can affect your child's pronunciation.

The baby teeth hold space for the adult ones, so if they are lost early, your child may experience complications when new teeth grow in. In addition, tooth decay can cause your child pain and lead to serious oral infections. Finally, teaching your child to care for their teeth now gives them a chance to practice and form positive habits, so when their adult teeth come in they'll take better care of them.

For help teaching your child good dental care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert N. Petrtyl, DDS. Based in Cincinnati, OH, and serving Hamilton County, Dr. Petrtyl's dentist office provides general, restorative, and cosmetic treatments to families. They have over 30 years of experience and are open six days a week to help you find time for an appointment. To schedule, call (513) 554-4657 or get in touch online.