Baby teeth are designed to function throughout the childhood years. Some of your child's baby teeth are not lost until the age of 12. They help in the development of face and jaws and support facial structures and tissues. They are also important for chewing food to aid in proper digestion through your child's "growing" years.

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Another vital function of baby teeth is to hold the space and guide the permanent teeth in place. Baby teeth have relatively thin enamel and large pulps compared with adult teeth, and can become decayed and infected easily. Infected baby teeth can affect your child's adult teeth developing below them. Healthy baby teeth create a healthy environment for your child's permanent teeth.