Are Baby Teeth Really That Important?

There is not a more peaceful time in a parent’s life than just around the third month after having a baby. At this point, babies begin to sleep longer, eat better and start to smile. As their personality begins to shine through, this is when the fun really begins. But right around the corner, your baby may suddenly be very cranky and drooling like a leaky tap. He or she might even have a slight fever, but no other noticeable symptoms.

What’s happened to disrupt your blissful time? Teething. The eruption of baby, or “milk”, teeth begins anywhere from three to 6 months. Sometimes teething pain begins months before you see the first tooth eruption. Even though they seem like a pain, and they are just going to fall out in time anyway, baby teeth are actually quite significant in the life of a child.

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Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

Those tiny little pearls are adorable, but they also serve several functions. Baby teeth are a key component in the health and overall lifespan of your child’s future permanent teeth. Caring for baby teeth directly leads to lifelong health for your child. If this seems like an overstatement, here are some reasons why milk teeth shouldn’t be seen as insignificant.

Health and Nutrition

Pediatricians recommend waiting to introduce foods to babies until they are six months of age. By that time your child will probably have one or two erupted teeth in their mouth. Now, most babies won’t be doing any real chewing at that point, but having teeth is a signal to parents that eating real food is right around the corner. Whether you are sticking to purees or a whole foods baby-led weaning menu, clean and healthy teeth are a must.

Having a healthy set of baby teeth is important when introducing children to healthy eating. This is because having cavities can cause pain while chewing. If your child is in pain, they may be less likely to want to try new foods or textures. Further, it has been shown that healthy and clean baby teeth lead to healthy adult teeth. Be sure to set your baby up with a lifetime of healthy eating.

Development of the Jaw Bones and Muscles 

When babies first get teeth, they need to eat soft foods. This is because they have yet to develop the strong jaw muscles and bone density needed for chewing through a tough steak or even a raw carrot. The mere act of chewing actually stimulates jaw bones and facial muscles to grow. Gradually, your baby will go from gnawing and gumming their food to being able to chew and tear with their teeth.

Speech Development

Teeth are actually very important in the development of proper speech. We use our teeth to say words that contain the letters s, f, and z. These letters produce a sound called a fricative. As an experiment, say the phrase “Zoo for sale”. This would be very difficult, if not impossible to say without teeth. Your child should have about 50 words they regularly use by the age of two, having healthy baby teeth helps with that accomplishment.

Proper Alignment of the Permanent Teeth

When baby teeth erupt in a straight manner, they are paving the way for adult teeth to erupt around the age of 6 or 7. A pediatric dentist can help you to determine if your child’s milk teeth are coming in correctly.

Related: Why Are My Child’s Baby Teeth Coming in Crooked?

Self-Esteem

There is a reason that models, actors, and other people in the public eye have immaculate pearly whites. Having white, straight teeth is a sign of health and beauty in our society. When children have damaged, discolored or cavity riddled teeth it directly affects their self-esteem.

Can Milk Teeth Be Removed?

Now that you know all the reasons why milk teeth are so important to your child’s oral development, you may understand why they shouldn’t be removed until they are ready to fall out. You should aim to ensure that your child’s teeth are healthy and well cared for. In case it still isn’t totally clear to you, here are several reasons why healthy milk teeth are a necessity. 

Problems with Speech Development

If children don’t have baby teeth, they will be unable to make the sounds necessary for speech at the age at which most children learn to speak. This would most likely result in the need for speech therapy later in life.

Adult Teeth Could be Crooked

Milk teeth are place markers for adult teeth. If you pull milk teeth too soon, surrounding teeth begin to slowly move around in the gums. This causes major dental problems when adult teeth attempt to erupt.

Cavities From Baby Teeth Can Harm Adult Teeth

Untreated dental cavities in baby teeth may cross over to the adult teeth directly underneath them.

Poor Behavior or Lack of Attention at School

When children are in pain from dental problems, they often have difficulty listening and following directions. This can lead to punishments in the classroom or even poor grades.

When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?

Most pediatric dentists agree that children can be taken in as soon as their first tooth erupts. Remember, the earlier you introduce the dentist office to your child, the easier it will be to get them to go to regular dental visits. It will also help you to teach them a healthy brushing and flossing routine.

Even though your baby, and you by association, are having an awful time during teething, the first tooth is often a great cause for celebration. You should enjoy that one tooth grin while getting ready for the rest to show up soon after. Consider taking your infant to the dentist after the first tooth comes in to make sure everything is developing smoothly and to introduce your child to dental care. The rest of those teeth will come in quickly and it’s a perfect time to begin regular brushing.