Baby Teeth Matter: Why Early Dental Care Is Essential



Many parents think baby teeth (primary teeth) don’t need much care because they eventually fall out. But healthy baby teeth are extremely important for your child’s growth, comfort, and confidence.

At Marinaside Dental in Yaletown, Vancouver, we emphasize early preventive dental care to help children build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Strong baby teeth support eating, speaking, smiling — and make room for adult teeth (permanent teeth) to come in correctly.

Why Baby Teeth Are Important

Healthy baby teeth do much more than fill little smiles — they play an essential role in your child’s development:

  • Guide adult teeth into their proper positions as the jaw grows
  • Help your child chew comfortably and get proper nutrition
  • Support speech development and clear pronunciation
  • Prevent tooth decay (early childhood caries) that can affect future teeth
  • Build good oral hygiene habits and positive dental routines early

When baby teeth are neglected, cavities, pain, and infection can occur — making it harder for your child to eat, sleep, or focus.

First Dental Visit Tips

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that your child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts.

During this gentle visit, your Yaletown dentist will:

  • Examine your child’s gums, teeth, and bite alignment
  • Discuss teething, thumb-sucking, and pacifier use
  • Provide nutrition and brushing guidance for healthy habits
  • Answer any questions you have about your child’s dental care

This visit sets the stage for a lifetime of comfortable and positive dental experiences.

Make It a Positive Experience

At Marinaside Dental Vancouver, our goal is to make every child feel safe, calm, and happy during their appointment. Our dentists and hygienists specialize in children’s dentistry and use:

  • Age-appropriate language and gentle explanations
  • Encouragement and praise for good brushing habits
  • Fun, relaxed care to reduce fear and build trust

Early positive visits help kids develop confidence in dental care and reduce anxiety later in life.

Give Your Child a Healthy Start

Baby teeth may be temporary — but their impact lasts a lifetime. By making dental visits a priority early on, you help your child grow up with strong, healthy permanent teeth and a smile they can be proud of.

Schedule your child’s appointment today: Visit marinasidedental.com or call 604-685-5456.


Parth Naik, BDS, MAS, DDS Anshika Taneja, BDS, DDS Kim Kent, DMD Leila Ghavamzadeh, DDS Joyce Grou, DDS
(604) 685-5456
179 Davie St, Unit 205
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1

Office Hours

Monday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
By appointment only