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Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, start to emerge as early as six months of age. These teeth will begin to loosen and fall out between 5 to 7 years of age.

Baby teeth are important. They help children speak clearly and chew naturally. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth to grow in when they are ready to erupt.

When baby teeth fall out too early, permanent teeth may grow crooked. That's why it's important to take good care of your child's baby teeth and take them for a visit to Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto on time.

Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth Pave the Way for Adult Teeth

While baby teeth eventually fall out, they serve an important purpose in the dental development of a child. As soon as the first baby teeth come in, the jaw and palate begin to form. Eventually, the adult teeth form in the space left behind. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, it could lead to misalignments, crowding, or other dental issues.

Baby Teeth Help Children Learn to Talk

Children learn to speak by imitating the sounds that they hear. The sound that they make is then modified as they learn to produce words. Teeth help with the sound that they make. For example, speech sounds made in the back of the mouth, such as 'm' and 'b,' are made using the tongue and lips. Toothless babies use all of their mouth to make these sounds. Children with teeth make the same sounds, but they use their teeth to help them make the sounds. They focus on specific sounds that are produced in the back of the mouth, focusing less on sounds that are produced at the front of the mouth.

Since children have to learn to use their tongues and lips to make certain speech sounds, they will not speak as well as children who use their teeth.

Baby Teeth Help Guide the Permanent Teeth 

They act as placeholders until the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the permanent teeth may erupt in the wrong position. So, it is essential to visit Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto to help your child's teeth grow in the proper position.

Baby Teeth Help With Proper Chewing

Baby teeth are important because they help with proper chewing. As children grow, they continue learning how to chew food. A child's eating habits have a significant impact on their health and development. That's why it's important for parents to make sure their children are eating a healthy diet.

Baby Teeth Help Give the Face its Shape

When a child loses a baby tooth too soon, the face may develop an asymmetrical appearance. The teeth help give the face its shape, and when a tooth is lost, the shape of the face changes.

To learn more about Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry, call us at (650) 322-9837 to schedule an appointment with our Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto.