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Because primary teeth, also called baby teeth, are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, many people don't realize that primary teeth are, in fact, very important for a child's long-term dental health.
Alignment of Permanent Teeth
Normally, some of the primary teeth remain in the mouth until a child is eleven or twelve. During this time, they serve as space maintainers and insure that the permanent teeth are properly aligned as they grow into the mouth. Early loss of primary teeth often causes misalignment of the permanent teeth and may even alter normal facial development. Expensive orthodontic solutions may be necessary to correct these problems.
Nutrition and Speech Development
Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food. Cavities and tooth loss can make it impossible for a child to eat properly, which affects his or her overall level of health. Speech development can also be affected by premature tooth loss. In combination, these problems may lower a child's self-esteem during the important formative years.
As you can see, primary teeth are critically important for a child's health and development. It's important to keep them in the mouth as long as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene and treating problems early. |
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