Baby Teeth Are Not Disposable

Primary (“baby”) teeth are often treated as temporary and therefore unimportant. This article summarises current scientific evidence showing why that belief is mistaken. Primary teeth support chewing, speech and facial appearance, and they hold space for and guide the permanent teeth. When they decay, become infected or are lost too early, children may suffer pain and poor sleep and eating, and the developing permanent teeth can be damaged or crowded. Children with decay in primary teeth also have about three times higher odds of developing decay in permanent teeth. Simple, inexpensive measures – an early dental visit, fluoride toothpaste, limited sugar and prompt treatment – protect both sets of teeth.