10/24/2025
It’s easy to think, “It’s just a baby tooth—it’ll fall out anyway!” But baby teeth play a much bigger role than just holding space for the tooth fairy.
Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly, and—most importantly—guide the permanent teeth into the right positions. So if a baby tooth gets chipped, cracked, or damaged, it’s not something to ignore.
A damaged tooth can impact the alignment of the permanent teeth waiting to come in, cracks or chips can leave the tooth vulnerable to infection or decay, and your child may experience sensitivity, discomfort, or difficulty eating, even if they don’t mention it.
What to do: If you notice a chip or crack—even a small one—have it evaluated by your child's dentist. They’ll check for hidden damage, protect the tooth if needed, and keep your child’s developing smile on track.
Remember: Just because they’re “temporary” doesn’t mean they’re not important!