Baby Teeth Are Not Disposable
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Primary (“baby”) teeth are often treated as temporary and therefore unimportant. This article summarises current scientific evidence showing why that belief is mistaken. Primary teeth support chewing, speech and facial appearance, and they hold space for and guide the permanent teeth. When they decay, become infected or are lost too early, children may suffer pain and poor sleep and eating, and the developing permanent teeth can be damaged or crowded. Children with decay in primary teeth also have about three times higher odds of developing decay in permanent teeth. Simple, inexpensive measures – an early dental visit, fluoride toothpaste, limited sugar and prompt treatment – protect both sets of teeth.
Source: HSR (London)
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225672132
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to:
