National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Georgetown University

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Head Start

Why is it important to care for primary teeth when they will be replaced by permanent teeth?

Keeping the primary teeth (baby teeth) healthy is very important. Children need healthy primary teeth to chew, to speak clearly, and to maintain space for permanent teeth. Children with poor oral hygiene practices and who often eat foods high in sugar are more likely to have tooth decay. Some foods high in sugar are fruit juice, fruit drinks, soft drinks (pop or soda), cookies, and candy. Children who do not get enough fluoride are also more likely to have tooth decay. Tooth decay can cause pain. It can also make it hard for a child to learn, to concentrate, and to function in all areas of daily life. Untreated tooth decay can progress to the surrounding soft tissues and bone and can result in illness or even death.

Children with tooth decay in the primary teeth are more likely to have tooth decay in the permanent teeth. Tooth decay can cause problems with general health and can also reduce quality of life.

Performance Standards

1304.40(f)(1)

1304.40(f)(2)(iii)

References

Bickel HW Jr. 2001. Why bother? They're just baby teeth! Head Start Bulletin 71, p. 29.

Holt K, Kraft K. 2003. Oral Health and Learning: When Children's Oral Health Suffers, So Does Their Ability to Learn (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center.


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