Why Are Primary Teeth Important?

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Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. Teeth begin to emerge above the gums approximately six months to one year after birth. Typically, preschool children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth – including four molars on each arch.

One of the most common misconceptions about primary teeth is that they are irrelevant to the child’s future oral health. However, their importance is emphasized by the American Dental Association (ADA), which urges parents to schedule a “baby checkup” with a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth emerges.

What are the functions of primary teeth?

Primary teeth can be painful to acquire. To soothe tender gums, biting on chewing rings, wet gauze pads, and clean fingers can be helpful. Though most three-year-old children have a complete set of primary teeth, eruption happens gradually – usually starting at the front of the mouth.

The major functions of primary teeth are described below:

Speech production and development – Learning to speak clearly is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development. The proper positioning of primary teeth facilitates correct syllable pronunciation and prevents the tongue from straying during speech formation.

Eating and nutrition – Children with malformed or severely decayed primary teeth are more likely to experience dietary deficiencies, malnourishment, and to be underweight. Proper chewing motions are acquired over time and with extensive practice. Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits and facilitate nutritious eating.

Self-confidence – Even very young children can be quick to point out ugly teeth and crooked smiles. Taking good care of primary teeth can make social interactions more pleasant, reduce the risk of bad breath, and promote confident smiles and positive social interactions.

Straighter smiles – One of the major functions of primary teeth is to hold an appropriate amount of space for developing adult teeth. In addition, these spacers facilitate the proper alignment of adult teeth and also promote jaw development. Left untreated, missing primary teeth cause the remaining teeth to “shift” and fill spaces improperly. For this reason, pediatric dentists often recommend space-maintaining devices.

Excellent oral health – Badly decayed primary teeth can promote the onset of childhood periodontal disease. As a result of this condition, oral bacteria invade and erode gums, ligaments, and eventually bone. If left untreated, primary teeth can drop out completely – causing health and spacing problems for emerging permanent teeth. To avoid periodontal disease, children should practice an adult-guided oral care routine each day, and infant gums should be rubbed gently with a clean, damp cloth after meals.

If you have questions or concerns about primary teeth, please contact your pediatric dentist.

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What Our Patients Say

From first visit to lasting results, our patients share what it's like to receive personalized, holistic dental care at Stunning Smiles in Santa Rosa.

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   Deck Julio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.
  
 
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   Vickie Miles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.
  
 
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   Patti Barrett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.
  
 
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   Alyssa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough
  
 
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   Don Weaver 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.
  
 
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   Amy Breckenridge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable.  Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca.  If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!
  
 
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   Nancy Lazark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him
  
 
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   Haakon Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!
  
 
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   Andrew Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care