YES!
Sometimes people think that baby teeth are not very important and do not require as much care or treatment as adult teeth. This idea stems from the fact that baby teeth fall out (or "exfoliate") and are replaced by permanent adult teeth. Even though baby teeth (hopefully*) will have a permanent tooth coming behind them to take their place, they still require the same attention and care as adult teeth.
So what's the big deal? Well, first of all, baby teeth are extremely important for normal function:
Baby teeth allow for good nutrition by facilitating proper chewing.
Baby teeth aid in speech development.
Baby teeth promote the proper development of the permanent teeth by saving space for them.
What does all of that mean?
Losing baby teeth too early can prevent children from chewing their food properly, which can affect the types of foods they eat and, consequently, prevent them from obtaining all of their nutritional needs.
The presence of baby teeth guide the mouth and tongue and allow for proper speech; missing or misaligned teeth may cause speech impediments.
It is important that baby teeth maintain their natural position in the mouth until they are ready to be exfoliated (either by becoming loose and wiggled out or by the assistance of a dentist). Each baby tooth serves the purpose of preserving adequate space in the mouth for the permanent tooth that will appear in its place. Premature loss of baby teeth can cause other teeth to shift or drift into the open space. This shifting prevents the permanent tooth from coming into the proper position which greatly contributes to crowded and misaligned permanent teeth that will require braces for correction.
As for that hopefully* above, there are some instances in which a child is missing the permanent tooth that should replace their baby tooth. Treatment of this concern can vary, but often times a person can maintain their baby tooth on into adulthood, and possibly for their entire life. The major concern here is that proper oral hygiene is established at a young age and maintained into adulthood so that the tooth is not lost to decay and cavities.
So, yes, baby teeth are important! They guide a child's chewing and nutritional needs, aid in speech development, and preserve space for the permanent teeth. At Jacques Dentistry, we want to make sure your child has healthy teeth so that they can talk and eat with ease! Don't neglect those baby teeth just because they will be gone in a few years -- they have an importance purpose now!
