Baby teeth...why fix them if they are just going to fall out?

Dr. Krieger hear the question all the time "why fix a baby tooth if it is just going to fall out?"  At Atlanta Pediatric Dental Specialists, we recognize the importance of baby teeth.

Baby teeth:

• Help children chew food easily and properly
• Help children speak more quickly and clearly
• Hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums
• Set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles

Untreated cavities in baby teeth can lead to toothaches, discomfort, missed days of school, and early loss of the affected baby tooth.

When a baby tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth  can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when it’s their turn to erupt. Choosing not to fix a baby tooth can lead to significant space loss and future othodontic care to regain space for a permanent tooth to erupt into the mouth.

Proper oral hygiene is important as soon as your baby is born. Establishing good oral habits early will go a long way.