Why are baby teeth important?

Baby teeth begin to emerge around 6 months of age and continue developing until around 2.5 to 3 years. There are 20 baby teeth in total. Starting at age 6, permanent teeth begin to emerge beneath the baby teeth, and the full set of permanent teeth takes their place in the jaw by ages 11 to 13.

The primary function of baby teeth is to enable solid food intake. They contribute to proper speech development. When front baby teeth are missing, pronunciation of certain sounds can be affected. Baby teeth also protect the developing permanent tooth buds underneath and guide the permanent teeth into position. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, this guidance is lost. As a result, the space available for permanent teeth becomes narrower, creating conditions for orthodontic problems.

Baby teeth support jaw development indirectly through chewing function. The development of chewing muscles promotes proper jaw growth. Having teeth in place is also important for aesthetics.

Most of a child's growth and development occurs during the time baby teeth are developing and present in the mouth. For this reason, neglecting baby teeth is a serious mistake. Problems that develop in baby teeth need to be addressed. Otherwise, function is disrupted, permanent tooth buds can be damaged, and the space available for permanent teeth becomes narrower.

After the first baby tooth emerges, teeth should be cleaned at least twice daily with a finger brush or a damp gauze cloth. Later, brushing transitions to using toothpaste with age-appropriate fluoride levels. For children under 3 years old, use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste. For ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Parent-assisted brushing is especially recommended until age 6. After age 6, as the child's motor skills develop, control can be gradually transferred to the child, but parents should still monitor that brushing is done for an adequate duration and in the recommended manner. The earlier a routine oral care habit is established, the better.

Dental visits should begin in infancy. This is very important for reducing the risk of tooth decay. Regular checkups can also help prevent children from developing dental anxiety. Procedures that do not cause discomfort during treatment, such as fluoride application and dental sealants, help children become accustomed to the dentist and dental procedures.

If decay develops in baby teeth, it must be treated. Because baby teeth have a higher organic matter content compared to permanent teeth, decay progresses more rapidly. Depending on the depth of decay, baby teeth can receive fillings or root canal treatment. If treatment is not successful and the tooth must be extracted prematurely, space maintainer appliances can prevent the loss of space in that area. It is very important to keep baby teeth in the mouth until their natural shedding time.

Trauma is very common in babies and children. Baby tooth trauma increases especially after age three. According to studies, the incidence of trauma ranges from 10% to 30%. In cases of baby tooth trauma, a dentist should be consulted without delay. Timing is critical for treatment.

My Baby's Teeth Are Coming in Crooked. What Should I Do?

Crooked baby teeth can cause parental concern. This is generally a problem seen in the front teeth and does not require intervention. We dentists actually prefer baby teeth to have spacing, because it provides room for the permanent teeth that will follow. Permanent teeth are larger and need more space to align properly. Crooked baby teeth can be an early indicator that the future permanent teeth may also have alignment issues. In addition to dental checkups every 6 months, orthodontic evaluations should also be prioritized starting at age 6. Early orthodontic intervention can be beneficial.

What Happens If a Baby Tooth Is Lost Early? What Should Be Done?

The most important function of baby teeth is to hold space for the permanent teeth. For this reason, when baby tooth problems develop, they should be treated and kept in the mouth until their natural shedding time. If this is not possible and the tooth must be extracted, permanent teeth drift into the space left by the prematurely lost tooth and take space away from other emerging teeth. In such cases, fixed or removable space maintainers provide support.

Space maintainers are appliances that prevent loss of space created by tooth loss. There are metal fixed space maintainers that are bonded to the tooth adjacent to the extraction site, as well as removable space maintainers that the patient can insert and remove. The clinician applies whichever is appropriate for the patient and schedules regular checkup appointments. The space maintainer is kept in the mouth until the permanent tooth begins to emerge.

Important Considerations for Space Maintainer Use

There are several important points to keep in mind to avoid problems when using a space maintainer. We have briefly summarized them for you below.

• Hygiene must be maintained to prevent the space maintainer from damaging teeth and surrounding tissues.
• Teeth must be brushed regularly and carefully.
• Do not attempt to dislodge the space maintainer with fingers or tongue.
• Removable space maintainers should be removed during meals.
• Attend regular dental checkup appointments.
• Do not wait if breakage or loosening occurs.