Dr. Lisa Richardson and our team know it can be easy to underestimate the significance of baby teeth. At Dentistry 4 Children, we sometimes meet parents who assume that since their child's baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, eventually fall out and are replaced, they are less critical. But did you know baby teeth serve purposes other than biting, chewing, and digesting food properly?
Baby teeth are essential not only for your child's language development but also serve other critical functions, like contributing to the normal development of your child's jawbones and facial muscles. Baby teeth also reserve space for your child's future permanent teeth.
So, when do baby teeth fall out?
A baby tooth is intended to remain in your child's mouth until the permanent tooth underneath it is ready to take its place. Sometimes, either due to a tooth being knocked out accidentally or being removed because of tooth decay, kids lose baby teeth before the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. If a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side of the open space may push into the empty space. The result? There may not be enough room for the permanent tooth when it is finally ready to erupt.
If you have any questions about your toddler's teeth or if your child is experiencing issues that concern you, please give us a call to set up an appointment at our convenient Friendswood, TX office.