Short answer: Baby teeth are important because of their roles in chewing, speech, jaw development and holding space for the permanent teeth. Children have 20 baby teeth; they usually start coming in around 6 months and are complete by 2.5–3 years. Shedding begins around age 6–7 and ends around age 12 in most children. Untreated decay in baby teeth can lead to pain, abscesses and loss of space.
When baby teeth are dismissed because "they'll fall out anyway", both the child's current health and the permanent teeth that will come in later can be negatively affected. Children have a total of 20 baby teeth, and these teeth do their job in the mouth from about 6 months of age until around age 12. In this article we summarize, in a way that is easy for parents to follow, the roles of baby teeth, the baby tooth eruption timeline, when they fall out and the answer to the question of why baby teeth matter.
The roles of baby teeth
Baby teeth take on the roles of chewing, speech, facial development and holding space for the permanent teeth; in other words, being temporary does not mean their functions are unimportant.
- Nutrition: Being able to chew solid foods comfortably is the foundation of a child's balanced diet. Painful or missing teeth can cause a child to refuse certain foods.
- Speech: The front teeth play a role in pronouncing sounds such as "s", "z", "f" and "t" correctly. Front teeth that are lost early can temporarily affect speech development.
- Holding space: Each baby tooth preserves the area where the permanent tooth developing beneath it will come in. Neighboring teeth can drift into the gap left by a baby tooth that is lost early, and the permanent teeth may not find enough room.
- Jaw and facial development: Regular chewing contributes to the healthy development of the jawbones and muscles.
- Self-confidence: For school-age children, visible decay or missing teeth can cause unease in social relationships.
Baby tooth eruption timeline
Baby teeth usually start coming in around 6 months with the lower front incisors, and all 20 teeth are in place between 2.5 and 3 years of age. The baby tooth eruption timeline below shows average values; eruption a few months earlier or later is usually considered normal.
- Lower central incisors: about 6–10 months
- Upper central incisors: about 8–12 months
- Upper and lower lateral incisors: about 9–16 months
- First baby molars: about 13–19 months
- Baby canines: about 16–23 months
- Second baby molars: about 23–33 months
During teething, increased drooling, an urge to bite on things, mild swelling of the gums and fussiness may be seen. Chilled (not frozen) teething rings and gently massaging the gums with a clean finger can provide relief. High fever, diarrhea or prolonged lethargy, however, should not be attributed to teething; a pediatrician should be consulted. If no teeth have come in by the first birthday, an assessment by a dentist is advisable.
When do baby teeth fall out?
Baby teeth usually begin to fall out around age 6–7, starting with the lower front incisors, and in most children the process is complete between ages 11 and 13. When the permanent tooth starts coming in underneath, it gradually dissolves the root of the baby tooth; the baby tooth, with no root left, becomes loose and falls out on its own.
- Central incisors: about 6–8 years
- Lateral incisors: about 7–9 years
- First baby molars: about 9–11 years
- Baby canines: about 9–12 years
- Second baby molars: about 10–12 years
A child can wiggle a loose tooth with their tongue or a clean finger; however, forcibly pulling a tooth that is not yet ready can cause pain and bleeding. Sometimes the permanent tooth comes in behind the baby tooth before the baby tooth has fallen out, creating a "double row of teeth" appearance. This is especially common in the lower front teeth; if the baby tooth does not become loose within a few weeks, a dental check-up is needed.
Why does decay in baby teeth matter?
Decay in baby teeth matters because the enamel of baby teeth is thinner than that of permanent teeth, and decay can quickly reach the nerve of the tooth, resulting in consequences such as pain, abscesses and effects on the permanent tooth developing underneath. This is perhaps the clearest answer to the question of why baby teeth are important: untreated decay in a baby tooth can affect not only that tooth but also the child's general health and sleep.
Habits that increase the risk of decay
- Putting a child to sleep at night with a bottle of milk, fruit juice or a sugary drink
- Frequent snacking and sugary drinks throughout the day
- Dipping a pacifier in honey or something sweet
- Starting toothbrushing late or leaving brushing to the child too early
To protect against decay
- From the moment the first tooth appears, brush the teeth twice a day with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste; follow your dentist's advice on the amount of toothpaste.
- Until the child can brush well on their own, usually until age 7–8, an adult should do or supervise the brushing.
- Limit sugary foods to main meals rather than snacks; choose water for thirst.
- Plan the first dental visit after the first tooth comes in, and by around the first birthday at the latest.
- When recommended by the dentist, fluoride varnish and fissure sealants on the molars can be protective.
The transition to permanent teeth
The transition to permanent teeth takes place during a period called the mixed dentition, which lasts from about age 6 to age 12, when baby teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth together. Perhaps the most overlooked tooth of this period is the first permanent molar, which comes in behind the baby teeth around age 6. Because this tooth does not replace any baby tooth, it is often mistaken for a baby tooth, yet it is a permanent tooth that will last a lifetime and should be especially protected against decay.
The mixed dentition period is also a time when problems related to crowding, crossbite and jaw development can be noticed. Orthodontic associations recommend that children be evaluated by an orthodontist around age 7. This does not mean every child needs treatment; it does, however, ensure intervention at the right time if needed. You can find detailed information on the age at which orthodontic treatment can begin in children on our at what age can clear aligners be used page. We also have a separate page on Invisalign First, one of the options that can be used during the mixed dentition period.
What is done when a baby tooth is lost early?
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or trauma, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the gap. Space maintainers prevent the neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap and preserve the area where the permanent tooth will come in. They are not needed for every early loss; the decision is made according to the type of tooth, the child's age and the developmental stage of the permanent tooth.
Check-ups for your child's baby teeth in Ankara
If you have noticed discoloration, pain, late eruption or a baby tooth that will not fall out, or if it is simply time for a regular check-up, a short examination helps catch most problems at an early stage. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, we provide children's dental health check-ups and, when needed, orthodontic assessments. To make an appointment, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
If a decayed baby tooth will fall out anyway, does it need treatment?
Yes, in most cases it does. Decay can progress and lead to pain and abscesses, affect the permanent tooth developing underneath, and cause loss of space if early extraction becomes necessary. The type of treatment is determined by the dentist according to the condition of the tooth and when it is due to fall out.
My baby is one year old and still has no teeth. Is that normal?
The timing of teething varies from child to child, and a delay of a few months is usually normal. If no teeth have come in by the first birthday, an assessment by a dentist and a pediatrician is advisable.
Is the six-year molar a baby tooth?
No. The first permanent molar, which comes in behind the baby teeth around age six, is a permanent tooth and does not replace any baby tooth. Because it will last a lifetime, it should be especially protected against decay.
A permanent tooth has come in behind a baby tooth. What should I do?
This is especially common in the lower front teeth. If the baby tooth does not loosen and fall out within a few weeks, a dental check-up is needed; the dentist may recommend extracting the baby tooth if necessary.
