Parents know that their children need to brush, floss, and go for regular teeth cleanings and exams to maintain oral wellness. Many parents ask their dentists why it’s so important to care for baby teeth when they will eventually fall out. To better understand why it’s critical to instill strong dental habits in your little one from a young age, discover some helpful facts about baby teeth below.

What to Expect From Baby Teeth

Also known as “primary teeth,” baby teeth are present at birth within the jaw. Typically, the first tooth erupts between the age of six months to one year. Generally, all 20 primary teeth appear by the age of three. While every child is different, the teeth towards the front of the mouth often erupt first. Your child will have these teeth for many years. Front teeth are usually the first to fall out and the last molars may stay put until the age of 12.

Why They Still Require Care

Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth as they develop beneath the gum line. However, they’re far more than just placeholders. Primary teeth also help your young child speak, chew, and smile. They’re critical to your child’s everyday functions, and even play an important role in overall development. Teaching your child the importance of caring for their smile, along with taking them for teeth cleanings, can help set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Retaining baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out naturally is also critical to long-term dental wellness. When a baby tooth falls out too early, the permanent teeth may move towards the empty gap. This can prevent the successful eruption of other adult teeth and lead to overcrowding in the future. You should clean your baby’s teeth as soon as they erupt and help them establish effective oral care habits. You should also schedule regular teeth cleanings. These steps will improve both their current and future dental health.

If you’re a parent in the Issaquah, WA area who needs quality oral care for the whole family, turn to Apex Dental Care. Offering routine preventive services such as teeth cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and sealants, these dentists help children maintain optimal dental health from a young age. Explore their full list of services online or call 425-837-0383 to schedule an appointment.