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The Important Role of Baby Teeth

Kid Smiling in a Dental Chair

Seemingly Temporary and Dispensable, Baby Teeth Play an Important Role

Why do we have two sets of teeth?

Initially, the jaw is too small for a full set of adult teeth. Baby teeth serve their purpose just till the jaw develops enough room for adult teeth to form and push them out. This usually begins by age 6 or 7.

Why worry about cavities in baby teeth?

While baby teeth may seem temporary and dispensable, they actually play an important role that can impact the development of adult teeth. They act as a guide that adult teeth follow to emerge properly positioned, and a badly decayed baby tooth can even transfer the disease to the adult tooth below. That’s why it’s crucial to develop positive dental habits in early childhood, ensuring a solid foundation for oral health.

When and how do baby teeth fall out?

Baby teeth begin to feel the pressure as soon as an adult tooth is fully formed below it, usually beginning by age 6 or 7. Starting with the incisors (front teeth) and working back, each tooth is lost and replaced until the process is complete by age 10 or 12 (when the 2nd molars are lost). Baby teeth are effectively pressed out by the adult teeth, which cause the baby-tooth roots to dissolve.

What to do about a loose baby tooth?

Ideally, nothing! A loose tooth will fall out on its own or (since they are the only ones who truly know how loose the tooth is) the child will pull it out themselves. But, if it’s really wiggling and needs to be removed, grip it firmly with a clean handkerchief and rock it out gently.

About Yuri Kaneda, DDS

Dr. Yuri Kaneda was born in Japan and immigrated to the US when she was 4 years old with her family. She lived in Ohio, Nebraska, and Illinois before finally settling in the San Diego area. A graduate of Bonita Vista High School, she went on to the University of California Berkeley where she obtained her Bachelors in Microbiology and Immunology. After working for 2 years in growth plate research at University of California San Diego, she went to the University of California San Francisco Dental School for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, she returned to San Diego where she worked as an associate in the practice of Drs. Morimoto and Yaryan, her childhood dentist. She then started her own practice in 1995 and has been at her present location since 1999 which happens to be across the street from her high school!

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