Why baby teeth matter for adult teeth

By the Berala Dental clinical team. Educational information only — this article is general information and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation to discuss your individual needs.

Baby teeth matter because they do real work while they're here — they help your child eat and speak, and they hold space so adult teeth come through in the right position. Decay or early loss of baby teeth can cause pain and affect the adult teeth underneath, so caring for them is well worth it even though they're temporary. Here's why, and how to look after them.

The job baby teeth do

• Chewing and nutrition — healthy baby teeth let children eat a full range of foods comfortably.
• Speech development — teeth help children form sounds clearly as they learn to talk.
• Holding space — baby teeth act as placeholders, guiding the adult teeth into the right position.
• Confidence — a comfortable, healthy mouth helps kids smile, eat and sleep without pain.

Why decay in baby teeth still matters

It's a common myth that decay in baby teeth doesn't count "because they fall out". In reality, decay can cause pain, infection and trouble eating or sleeping, and a badly decayed baby tooth lost too early can let neighbouring teeth drift, leaving less room for the adult tooth. Infection in a baby tooth can also affect the developing adult tooth beneath it. Catching problems early keeps things simple.

A simple care routine by age

• Before the first tooth — wipe the gums gently with a clean, damp cloth.
• First tooth onwards — start brushing twice a day with an age-appropriate brush and the right amount of toothpaste for your child's age.
• As more teeth appear — begin cleaning between teeth that touch.
• Throughout — brush last thing before bed, and limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.

Supervise brushing while your child is young, as they don't have the coordination to do a thorough job alone until they're older.

Protecting baby teeth from decay

• Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of anything but water
• Water and milk are better everyday drinks than juice or cordial
• Keep sugary treats to mealtimes rather than grazing through the day
• Keep up regular check-ups so small issues are spotted early

When to come in

Regular check-ups let us watch how your child's teeth are developing and step in early if needed. If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, covered services are bulk-billed — you can check eligibility here.

Frequently asked questions

Do cavities in baby teeth need to be filled?

Sometimes yes. Treating decay in a baby tooth can prevent pain and infection and help keep the space for the adult tooth. We'll always explain whether treatment is needed and why.

When do baby teeth start falling out?

Children usually start losing baby teeth from around age six, though it varies. The adult teeth that replace them benefit from the healthy foundation good baby-tooth care provides.

How much toothpaste should my child use?

It depends on their age. Use an age-appropriate toothpaste and amount — we're happy to show you at a check-up.

Are baby teeth really that important if they fall out anyway?

Yes. They guide eating, speech and the position of adult teeth, so looking after them sets your child up for healthier adult teeth.

Book a children's check-up

Book online, call (02) 9649 6468, or click our WhatsApp to chat now: message Berala Dental on WhatsApp.

We review this article periodically so the information stays current for 2026.