Baby teeth, also referred to as primary teeth, play several very important roles in your child’s growth and development. Their initial purposes include proper speech and natural chewing, as well as being a part of your child’s cute, angelic smile you love. They also help guide the permanent teeth into place as eruption occurs, acting as their own natural space-maintainers. Keeping these teeth healthy and free of decay will ensure they last as long as they were intended to and ensure that healthy permanent erupt in their place.