Why Are Primary Teeth Important?

Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy.  Teeth begin to emerge above the gums approximately six months to one year after birth.  Typically, preschool children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth – including four molars on each arch.

One of the most common misconceptions about primary teeth is that they are irrelevant to the child’s future oral health.  However, their importance is emphasized by the American Dental Association (ADA), which urges parents to schedule a “baby checkup” with a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth emerges.

What are the functions of primary teeth?

Primary teeth can be painful to acquire.  To soothe tender gums, biting on chewing rings, wet gauze pads, and clean fingers can be helpful.  Though most three-year-old children have a complete set of primary teeth, eruption happens gradually – usually starting at the front of the mouth.

The major functions of primary teeth are described below:

Speech production and development – Learning to speak clearly is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development.  The proper positioning of primary teeth facilitates correct syllable pronunciation and prevents the tongue from straying during speech formation.

Eating and nutrition – Children with malformed or severely decayed primary teeth are more likely to experience dietary deficiencies, malnourishment, and to be underweight.  Proper chewing motions are acquired over time and with extensive practice.  Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits and facilitate nutritious eating.

Self-confidence – Even very young children can be quick to point out ugly teeth and crooked smiles.  Taking good care of primary teeth can make social interactions more pleasant, reduce the risk of bad breath, and promote confident smiles and positive social interactions.

Straighter smiles – One of the major functions of primary teeth is to hold an appropriate amount of space for developing adult teeth.  In addition, these spacers facilitate the proper alignment of adult teeth and also promote jaw development.  Left untreated, missing primary teeth cause the remaining teeth to “shift” and fill spaces improperly.  For this reason, pediatric dentists often recommend space-maintaining devices.

Excellent oral health – Badly decayed primary teeth can promote the onset of childhood periodontal disease.  As a result of this condition, oral bacteria invade and erode gums, ligaments, and eventually bone.  If left untreated, primary teeth can drop out completely – causing health and spacing problems for emerging permanent teeth.  To avoid periodontal disease, children should practice an adult-guided oral care routine each day, and infant gums should be rubbed gently with a clean, damp cloth after meals.

If you have questions or concerns about primary teeth, please contact your pediatric dentist.

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Testimonials

Professional and clean practice with caring doctors and friendly team at Kahala Smile Professionals. They take time to review treatment plans and options until your happy with any decision. They look out for the interest of the patient!

I'm so grateful for Dr. Candace and Robert Wada. I switched to their services after sustaining injury to my face in 2018. After 8hrs in the emergency room, I was sent on my way with a few missing teeth. My dentist was out of town, and a friend referred me to Dr. Wada. My accident and injury was traumatizing enough. Having my teeth repaired the same day by such kind people made a major difference in my recovery.

I love Kahala Smile Professionals!!

Rhonda J

Caring, knowledgeable, using cutting edge technology and professional dentists. Over the past several years, everyone in this office from the receptionists, to the dental hygienists and dentists, care about my over all well being and oral health. From the moment you walk in they've continued to make me feel like family, because they care about my over all health, by remembering me and my needs. Recommending healthy food, flossing and brushing at least twice a day has helped me to not have a cavity for several years. Also Dr. Robert recently made me a mouth piece that I can't sleep with out. He made an excellent fit. The office is very clean, efficient and everyone takes precautions to help me feel safe. With my extremely busy lifestyle, I appreciate the reminders before appointments. I give my highest recommendation of these Dentists.

Jasmine M.

I recently moved here from the mainland and was looking for a Dentist. Upon some research online, I decided on Dr. Candace Wada. My first visit was such a amazing experience, that I actually held off write a review because, I had a second visit soon after and I wanted to see if the service and experience was consistent. Now that I have visited Dr. Wada twice, I can genuine say that this is the best Dental practice that I have ever been to yet. Not only is the staff here extremely pleasant to deal with but they are very helpful with booking the appointments all the way through with follow-ups. Dr. Wada was very knowledgeable, experience and dedicated to her patient. She educate her patient and explains the procedures to them in simple terms, so that her patients fully understands. I never felt pressured during my whole experience and was very appreciative of Dr. Wada recommendations. I am truly happy that I found Dr. Wada and all the professional staff at Kahala Smile Professionals. Keep up the great work!

J. L.

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