A child's primary teeth, sometimes called "baby teeth," are as important as the permanent adult teeth.

• Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year.
• Primary teeth help children chew and speak.
• Primary teeth hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums.

The ADA recommends that a dentist examine a child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the first birthday.

• A dental visit at an early age is a "well baby checkup" for the teeth.
• Besides checking for tooth decay and other problems, the dentist can demonstrate how to clean the child's teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumbsucking.