Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
One of my favourite parts of the job is helping little ones (and their parents!) get off to the best start with their oral health. While baby teeth might seem small and temporary, they play a crucial role in your child’s development far more than most people realise.
Most babies get their first tooth somewhere between six and ten months, but every child is different. Whether the first tooth arrives early or takes its time, these 20 “milk teeth” are incredibly important until the adult teeth arrive.
How Baby Teeth Help Your Child Grow
1. They Guide Adult Teeth into the Right Position
Baby teeth act like little markers that hold the space for adult teeth underneath. If a baby tooth is lost early — due to decay or an accident — the surrounding teeth may drift, affecting how the adult teeth emerge later. This makes children’s dental care crucial for the long-term alignment of your child’s teeth.
2. They Help Your Child Learn to Speak Confidently
Teeth are surprisingly important for forming sounds, words, and full sentences. Healthy baby teeth support clear speech and help kids develop their communication skills, setting the foundation for a first dental visit and overall language development.
3. They Help the Jaw and Face Grow Properly
Primary teeth support your child’s lips and cheeks and help guide natural jaw development. They play a big part in how the bite forms and how the face grows. Regular toddler dental check-ups ensure that any issues with jaw development are caught early.
4. They Help Children Chew Properly and Enjoy Nutritious Foods
A full set of baby teeth allows kids to chew well, which helps them enjoy a variety of foods and build healthy eating habits that last. Early dental care plays a major role in preventing early childhood tooth decay that could interfere with healthy eating habits.
If baby teeth are lost early, your child may experience issues with speech, jaw alignment, or chewing later on. If you ever have a concern — even a small one — we are always here to help at 123 Dental.
How to Care for Baby Teeth From Day One
The earlier you introduce gentle oral care, the easier it becomes as your child grows. Here’s what I recommend:
Before the First Tooth Appears
From around three months of age, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean cloth or gauze twice a day. This keeps the mouth clean and helps your baby get used to oral care before brushing begins.
When Those First Teeth Arrive
Start brushing twice a day using a soft infant toothbrush and plain water. At this stage, no toothpaste is needed unless your paediatric dentist suggests it.
From One Year Old
Introduce a tiny smear of low-fluoride, infant-strength toothpaste — just enough to lightly coat the bristles. Hold off on stronger toothpaste until your child is at least two years old.
Limit Sugar Where Possible
If your baby uses a dummy, avoid dipping it into sweet drinks or foods. Toddlers who avoid sugar-sweetened drinks have far less tooth decay later on.
Struggling to Control Your Little One?
I found the best way to do a good job of brushing was to sit on the edge of the bath or on the toilet in the bathroom, holding my little ones facing away from me between my legs. Their head would then lay back on my left thigh, and I could hold their head using my left arm while brushing with my right hand. This was enough to control even the most unruly children. Other tips would be to sing to them or give them a toy to play with.
Start Dental Check-Ups Early for Happy, Confident Visits
One of the best things you can do for your child’s dental health is to make dental visits a normal, positive part of life. I recommend bringing your child in when their first tooth appears or around their first birthday.
Early visits help us spot any issues early, but they also make the dental environment feel familiar and fun rather than scary. Many parents bring their children to their own check-up first — a great way to show them that the dental practice is a safe and friendly place.
Healthy baby teeth build the foundation for a strong, confident smile that lasts into adulthood — and we’re here every step of the way to help keep those little teeth healthy at 123 Dental. Ready to book an appointment for your child’s first dental visit? Book now through our appointments page.
