Why are baby (primary) teeth are so important

Primary teeth are necessary for your child’s ability to chew and speak, and they save space for future permanent teeth. A baby tooth remains in your child’s mouth until a permanent tooth underneath it is ready to emerge through the gums. The roots of the baby tooth dissolves and it becomes loose and falls out. Later, you’ll see the permanent tooth poke through the gum. Occasionally, a baby tooth comes out too early due to decay or trauma. In this case a space maintainer can be fitted by a dentist. This takes the place of the baby tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge. If teeth on either side of the open space encroach upon the empty space, there may not be room for the permanent tooth, causing a knock-on effect for this tooth and adjacent teeth.