Why Are Primary Teeth So Important?

Primary teeth or baby teeth are important for three reasons:

• they promote proper chewing and eating
• they provide space for the permanent teeth and guide them into the correct position
• they permit normal development of speech and add to an attractive appearance.

Primary front teeth are replaced at an early age (6-8 years). The back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13. It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems, which affect developing permanent teeth.