Baby Teeth Care: Why Primary Teeth Matter

More Than Just Placeholders

Some parents assume baby teeth don't matter since they'll fall out anyway. At FB Dental Yarrabilba, we emphasise that primary teeth play crucial roles in your child's development and set the foundation for lifelong oral health.

Functions of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth enable proper chewing and nutrition during critical growth years. They're essential for speech development—try saying "th" without front teeth! They maintain space for permanent teeth; premature loss can cause crowding. They also help shape facial structure and support your child's self-confidence.

Decay in Baby Teeth

Untreated decay in baby teeth causes pain affecting eating, sleeping, and concentration. Infections can spread to developing permanent teeth underneath. Severely decayed teeth may require extraction, leading to space-maintenance issues. The bacteria causing decay don't disappear—they continue affecting new teeth as they emerge.

Caring for Baby Teeth

Clean teeth from the moment they appear. For infants, wipe with a damp cloth. From age 18 months, use a soft children's toothbrush with a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste. From age six, use standard fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing until your child can tie shoelaces independently—usually around age eight.

Establishing Dental Habits Early

Children who care for baby teeth develop habits that protect permanent teeth. Regular dental visits from age two normalise dental care. Positive early experiences prevent dental anxiety later. Investing in baby teeth is investing in your child's future smile.

Questions about your child's teeth? Contact FB Dental Yarrabilba for expert paediatric dental advice.