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When you have a new baby, you will spend a lot of time looking at their fingers and toes, watching them grow, and laughing at all of the funny faces they make regularly. While you do, you should also keep an eye out on how your little bundle of joy's teeth develop. 

Baby teeth are a far more significant component of their development than you might think. At Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry in Palo Alto, California, we frequently assist parents by answering any questions they may have concerning their children's teeth and their development. 

Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are an important part of children’s development since they allow them to speak, chew, and smile. Baby teeth create the spaces in the jaw required for the permanent teeth to develop beneath the gums. 

If they fall out too soon as a result of cavities or other reasons, the permanent teeth beneath them may not develop properly. When this happens, issues like impacted teeth, overcrowding, misalignment, or bite issues may also occur. 

Important Facts About Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth Erupt Between the Ages of 6 and 12 Months

Teething should begin between the ages of 6 and 12 months for your infant. Excessive drooling, red and swollen gums, cheek rubbing, anxious behavior, or a moderate fever are all signs of teething.

Oral Hygiene Should Begin Before the Child's First Tooth Appears

Maintaining your child’s dental health is important from the very beginning, even before they have baby teeth. After eating and before going to bed, wipe their gums with a clean washcloth.

Baby Teeth Are Important for Speech Development 

Baby teeth will help your infant pronounce his or her first words. Therefore, it’s important to properly care for them from the get-go. 

Adult Oral Health Is Affected by Baby Teeth

Because permanent teeth form near the roots of baby teeth, these primary teeth are crucial to our adult dental health. If the roots of baby teeth become damaged or decayed, the roots of the permanent teeth may suffer as well.

Schedule Your Baby’s Dental Appointment as Soon as Possible

Once your baby's teeth begin to emerge, you can begin scheduling regular dental appointments for them. This will allow you to identify and address any dental issues as soon as possible.

For the best oral care for your child, visit Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry at 853 Middlefield Rd. Suite 2, Palo Alto, CA 94301, or call (650) 322-9837.