They are just baby teeth! 
 
I have long been a fan of the television show Myth Busters although I rarely have the opportunity to watch, but one myth that could be dispelled is that of “baby” teeth. 
 
They are just baby teeth! 
 
This is a phrase I am certain I can recall hearing back as long as I can remember, a phrase you will never hear me say in any setting except as an example.  I get particularly frustrated this statement is used by an individual who work with or on behalf of children, and hope that we can educate parents and practitioners alike on the importance on infant oral health. 
 
The misconception is that these “baby” teeth will simply fall out and be replaced with Permanent teeth and those are the only ones that matter. The simple truth is that these “baby teeth” or Primary teeth play a significant role not only in forming the path of Permanent teeth, but in the development of speech, proper chewing, and jaw bone development. 
 
Another misconception is when to start taking your child to visit the dentist, and many are under the impression that this first visit should take place around the age of three. In fact the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that the first dental visit should  take place at the onset of the first tooth or no later than their first birthday. 
 
Keep your ears open and listen to how many times you hear the phrase “they are just baby teeth” and know that this is a teachable moment. 
 

Jeremy Reuter is the Director of the Head Start Collaboration Office