09/13/2025
Many people assume baby teeth don’t matter because “they’ll fall out anyway,” but this is one of the biggest misconceptions in dentistry. Primary teeth act as natural placeholders, guiding the proper alignment and eruption of the permanent teeth growing underneath. If these teeth are neglected—whether due to untreated cavities, trauma, or early loss—the permanent teeth can erupt in the wrong position, leading to crowding, misalignment, or even impacted teeth.
The roots of baby teeth sit very close to the developing buds of adult teeth. When infection spreads through an untreated cavity, it can travel beyond the roots and directly affect the permanent teeth beneath. This may cause discoloration, enamel defects, or malformation in the incoming tooth. In severe cases, the infection can even damage the surrounding bone, making future eruptions more complicated.
Caring for baby teeth is therefore not only about preventing pain or infection in childhood, but also about protecting the future smile. Regular dental check-ups, timely treatment of cavities, and proper home care create a healthy environment for permanent teeth to grow strong and correctly positioned. What happens in the early years leaves a lasting imprint—healthy baby teeth are the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
