The Primary Teeth

The primary teeth (a much better phrase than "baby teeth") are far more important to your child's future dental health than you may imagine. In addition to providing a proper chewing surface until age 12 or 13, normal healthy primary teeth form pillars that allow young mouths to develop correctly.

Without the primary teeth, the permanent teeth which replace them could not assume their proper position in the mouth. The primary teeth help guide the permanent teeth into their final position. The primary molars are especially important. If a primary molar is lost prematurely and steps are not taken to preserve proper spacing, problems can quickly multiply.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential part of maintaining dental health. Ideally, it is best to take your child to the dentist between six and twelve months of age. The earlier you begin, the better chance your dentist has to prevent problems, which is a lot easier and less expensive than fixing them.