Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)

Primary teeth, also called “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” start developing beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. They usually begin to emerge between six months and one year of age. By the time children reach preschool age, most have a complete set of 20 primary teeth, including four molars on each arch.

Despite common misconceptions, primary teeth are critical for the child’s future oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling a “baby checkup” with a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth emerging.

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Functions of Primary Teeth

Primary teeth serve several important roles in a child’s growth and development:

  • Speech production and development: Properly positioned primary teeth help children pronounce syllables correctly, guide tongue placement, and support clear speech, which is essential for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  • Eating and nutrition: Healthy primary teeth allow children to chew properly, promoting good nutrition. Malformed or decayed teeth can lead to dietary deficiencies, malnourishment, and underweight concerns.
  • Self-confidence: Well-maintained teeth reduce the risk of bad breath and crooked smiles, supporting positive social interactions and helping children feel confident in their appearance.
  • Straighter smiles: Primary teeth maintain space for permanent teeth and guide their proper alignment. Missing or prematurely lost baby teeth can cause misalignment, which may require space-maintaining devices from the pediatric dentist.
  • Excellent oral health: Untreated cavities in primary teeth can lead to childhood periodontal disease, allowing bacteria to invade gums, ligaments, and bone. Maintaining a daily oral care routine, including gentle cleaning of infant gums with a damp cloth, helps prevent such issues.

To soothe tender gums during eruption, parents can offer teething rings, wet gauze pads, or clean fingers for the infant to bite on.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s primary teeth, please contact your pediatric dentist for guidance.