What Are Primary Teeth? (Dentist Expert Thoughts)

Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: January 14, 2024

One of the worst feelings for a parent is taking your child to the dentist for a routine cleaning only to find out they have cavities.

You may find yourself wondering, “What went wrong? I thought we were doing a great job brushing!”

I feel for the parent and child during those difficult conversations as a dentist.

Fortunately, The baby’s teeth will fall out and be replaced with new permanent teeth.

What Are Primary Teeth?

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that appear in a child’s mouth.

They play essential roles in speech development, proper chewing of food, and maintaining space for the growth of adult teeth.

Primary teeth typically begin to erupt around 6-8 months of age, and a child will have a full set of 20 primary teeth (10 on the upper arch and 10 on the lower arch) by the time they are 2-3 years old. These teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent adult teeth.

Children will ultimately have 20 baby teeth total, ten on the upper arch and ten on the lower arch.

Some babies have an erupted tooth at birth while others have to wait until they are 6-8 months old. The lower front teeth are usually the first to appear.

Teething, excess saliva and an elevated temperature are common during the eruption of baby teeth. Don’t be alarmed if you see a black and blue bubble forming over the area where a baby tooth will appear.

This is called an eruption cyst and is harmless. The remaining baby teeth will erupt at varying stages until the child has a full set by 24-36 months.

Related: Best MDA Recommended Products

1. Primary Teeth Function

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, serve many essential functions for children.

Speech is mastered when the tongue touches various aspects of the mouth. For example, the word “church” requires the tongue to gently contact the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth.

The number “55” requires the lower lip to contact the upper front teeth. “Thank you” requires the tip of the tongue to touch the tip of the upper front teeth.

Speech is vital for communication and expressing emotions, and teeth play an essential role in this process.

In addition, teeth are necessary for chewing food. If food is not adequately broken down, it can lead to indigestion or stomach aches. In addition, primary teeth play a vital role in the growth of adult teeth.

2. Establishing Healthy Habits

Healthy habits are essential to maintaining long-term oral health. These habits begin early with lightly brushing children’s teeth when they first appear.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents take their children to the dentist within six months of their first baby tooth eruption.

Also, they recommend using a smear amount of fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. When the child learns how to spit (around age 3), they can use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Healthy Habits

• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Limit frequency of sugary foods and drinks
• Brush twice a day
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Consume recommended daily amount of water
• No sugary drinks before naptime or bedtime
• Visit a dentist every six months
• Parents or caretakers regularly see a dentist (prevent bacteria transmission)

Related: Top 5 Best Kids Electric Toothbrush Review

3. Managing Dental Issues

After facing the reality that your child has cavities, the next step is treating the issue.

Unfortunately, just as it is for adults, visiting the dentist can be intimidating for children. Therefore, projecting a calm, helpful demeanor to help your child feel most comfortable is essential.

When a cavity is discovered in a child, it will be treated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the size of decay, the child’s age, and anxiety level. Your general dentist may feel comfortable treating your child, or, if they’re not, they will refer them to a pediatric dentist, also known as a Pedodontist.

Related: Learn more about a Pediatric Dentist

4. Maintaining Space

Suppose baby teeth are removed, and spacing is not maintained.

In that case, adjacent teeth are prone to crowd and limit space for erupting permanent teeth, leading to many problems, including overbite, overjet, malocclusions, and crossbites.

Space maintainers may be required to prevent undesired movement of adjacent teeth.

Another potential problem experienced by children is an infected baby tooth that damages the developing permanent tooth below. Dental infections can pose many problems for kids, including systemic health issues, pain, and damage to developing permanent teeth.

If malocclusions occur, a referral to an Orthodontist will be necessary to formulate a corrective game plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are primary teeth important for speech development?

Primary teeth are crucial for speech development because they help the tongue create various sounds by touching different areas of the mouth. Proper pronunciation and articulation depend on the presence and position of baby teeth, as they aid in forming specific sounds necessary for clear communication.

How do primary teeth contribute to proper chewing and digestion?

Primary teeth help children chew food effectively by breaking it down into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow and digest. Proper chewing is essential for good nutrition and overall health, as it aids in preventing indigestion or stomach aches.

How can parents establish healthy oral habits for their children?

Parents can establish healthy oral habits for their children by lightly brushing their teeth when they first appear, limiting sugary foods and drinks, ensuring children consume a well-balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental check-ups every six months. Teaching children to brush twice a day and use an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste are also essential habits to instill early on.

What should parents do if their child has cavities in their primary teeth?

If a child has cavities in their primary teeth, parents should consult their dentist for proper treatment. Depending on the size of the decay, the child’s age, and anxiety level, the dentist may decide to treat the child themselves or refer them to a pediatric dentist (pedodontist) for specialized care. Prompt treatment of cavities is crucial to prevent further complications and maintain the child’s overall oral health.

My Experience & Expertise

Baby teeth are important too.

Children will need constant reminders and assistance to brush their teeth twice daily. It’s an essential responsibility that parents and caregivers take to help maintain their children’s oral health.

Diligence is vital to developing healthy brushing habits.

Be sure your children are brushing on the inside of the lower teeth and outside of the upper teeth, as this is the most common area for plaque to accumulate. Do your best to be patient, and remember that every day is an opportunity to help them develop healthy habits.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

Sources

• American Dental Association (ADA)