It’s easy to think baby teeth don’t matter much—after all, they fall out eventually, right?
But the truth is, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s long-term oral health, development, and even confidence. At Corner Canyon Family Dental, we work with Draper families every day to help parents understand just how important those little teeth really are.
Whether you're a new parent or have toddlers already in the brushing phase, here’s everything you need to know about why baby teeth matter and how to care for them properly.
What Are Baby Teeth?
Also called primary teeth, baby teeth typically begin to appear around 6 months of age and continue erupting until about age 3. Most kids have 20 baby teeth—10 on top and 10 on bottom.
These teeth will eventually fall out to make way for adult (permanent) teeth, usually between the ages of 6 and 12. But just because they’re temporary doesn’t mean they’re not important!
5 Reasons Baby Teeth Are So Important
Let’s break down the key reasons you should prioritize your child’s dental health—starting with their very first tooth:
1. Baby Teeth Hold Space for Permanent Teeth
Think of baby teeth as placeholders. They guide adult teeth into the correct position as they erupt. If a baby tooth is lost too early—whether due to decay or injury—the neighboring teeth can shift, causing crowding, crooked teeth, or misalignment down the road.
2. They Help With Speech Development
Clear, confident speech depends on a full set of teeth. Baby teeth help kids form sounds correctly and learn to talk clearly. Missing or damaged teeth can sometimes make it harder for children to pronounce words or speak confidently.
3. They Support Proper Chewing and Nutrition
Healthy baby teeth allow kids to chew food properly, which supports good digestion and balanced nutrition. Pain or infection from untreated cavities can make it difficult (or painful) for a child to eat, leading to picky eating habits or nutritional gaps.
4. They Build Confidence in Smiling
A healthy, pain-free smile helps your child feel confident in social settings like school, sports, or playdates. Dental discomfort or discolored teeth can make kids feel self-conscious or withdrawn. Good early dental care can prevent this.
5. Healthy Habits Start Young
Caring for baby teeth teaches lifelong habits. When kids learn early on how to brush, floss, and go to the dentist without fear, they’re more likely to maintain those habits well into adulthood.
At Corner Canyon Family Dental, we believe prevention is the best approach—and it starts young.
What Happens If Baby Teeth Get Cavities?
Even though baby teeth fall out eventually, cavities still need to be treated. Left untreated, decay can:
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Spread to other teeth
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Cause pain or infection
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Lead to early tooth loss
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Affect speech, nutrition, and smile development
We treat cavities in baby teeth with gentle fillings or, in some cases, dental crowns to preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out. Our goal is to minimize discomfort and maximize long-term dental health.