Because they're more than just "baby" teeth

 

 

 

Baby teeth don’t get the credit they deserve. You have probably heard or even said yourself “they’re just baby teeth.” Here at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry we understand how important “baby” teeth are.

Baby teeth with a more formal name of deciduous teeth serve several purposes.  These purposes include space maintenance. Baby teeth are space holders for the permanent teeth.  Typically, the baby tooth remains in your child’s mouth until the permanent tooth is ready to make its grand appearance.  The roots of baby teeth are short and dissolve making the baby tooth loose as the permanent tooth underneath it pushes up causing the baby tooth to fall out.

What happens if the baby tooth is lost too early?

This happens and we are aware of the proper steps to take here at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry.  Baby teeth can be accidentally knocked out or sometimes must be removed due to extreme tooth decay. It is important to understand the timeline of when baby teeth are typically lost and permanent teeth emerge. If there is a significant amount of time the baby tooth is lost and the permanent tooth will emerge one of our pediatric dentists at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry may suggest a space maintainer  be placed. Having the proper amount of space for the adult tooth to fully emerge is very important.

Along with baby teeth being space maintainers they also serve the function for chewing and aid in speech. Before considering a baby tooth as just a “baby tooth” consult with one of our pediatric dentists at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry. Baby teeth serve an important role in the lifelong oral health for your child.  We offer three locations to serve you and your family Waxhaw, Mint Hill and South Tryon.