Healthy baby teeth are necessary to allow your child to chew food properly. Most children have some of their baby teeth until they are at least 12 years old. Baby teeth that have been taken out early may affect your child's speech. Baby teeth maintain the space for adult teeth to come into the mouth in the correct position. Baby teeth that are decayed should be treated by the dentist before the teeth start to hurt or become infected.
Once teeth appear, when your child has finished feeding, do not allow milk from the breast or bottle to pool in your baby’s mouth. When milk sits on a baby’s teeth (e.g., while falling asleep) the natural sugar in the milk can cause decay. If you choose to use bottles, hold your baby during feeds.
As soon as teeth appear, brush your child's teeth at least twice a day, especially before bedtime, using a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush.