WHY WORRY ABOUT BABY TEETH? THEY’RE GOING TO FALL OUT ANYWAY.
Baby teeth are important for several reasons: • They are essential when children are learning to talk. Without them, children may not learn proper sound and word formations. • Baby teeth guide the way for the permanent teeth that follow. If a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth may move in to take up the space, which means there may not be enough room for the adult tooth when it comes in. • Healthy teeth are important for a child’s social and emotional development. Because a child’s self-perception is often based on what others think of him, your child needs a clean, attractive smile as he grows up. Peer pressure and acceptance is a significant part of your child’s development, even as early as age three. • Strong, healthy teeth are important to a child’s total well-being. Decayed teeth, especially those that hurt, can affect a child’s eating habits, which can have an impact on his overall health. Children often do not eat properly if their teeth hurt.
