Those tiny teeth that eventually fall out may be more important than they seem.

Most parents expect baby teeth to disappear as their children grow. After all, permanent teeth will eventually take their place. But before that happens, those first teeth help children in several important ways—and there is something inside them that many parents may not know about.

So why do some parents choose to save their children’s baby teeth?

According to Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry, one reason is that baby teeth contain stem cells in the pulp inside the tooth. The practice explains that these cells may have potential medical value later in life.

But the value of baby teeth goes beyond what is inside them.

What Are Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth usually begin appearing when a child is around 6 months old. Most children eventually have 20 primary teeth.

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These teeth help children as they learn to eat and develop their speech. As children grow, their baby teeth gradually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. By adulthood, people typically have 32 permanent teeth.

That makes baby teeth temporary—but far from unimportant.

1. They Contain Stem Cells

One of the more surprising reasons some parents save baby teeth is what can be found inside them.

The pulp of a baby tooth contains stem cells. Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry notes that dental professionals can harvest these cells from the tooth and preserve them for possible future use.

The idea is simple: Instead of throwing away a tooth when it falls out, parents may choose to preserve what is inside it.

2. The Cells Can Be Preserved

Once stem cells are extracted from the pulp, they can be stored in a tooth bank.

According to Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry, these banks keep the material in a controlled environment and use cryogenic freezing to preserve the cells. The source says they usually last around 20 years and may last longer.

The practice also notes that wisdom teeth and healthy molars can be sources of stem cells as well.

3. They May Have Medical Value

The source describes stem cells from baby teeth, wisdom teeth and healthy molars as potentially useful in fighting various illnesses.

It specifically mentions some types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as their potential value when a child needs a bone marrow transplant.

These are claims made by the source, and they are part of the reason the practice recommends discussing tooth banking with a pediatric dentist.

4. Baby Teeth Help Children Learn and Eat

There is another reason baby teeth matter that has nothing to do with tooth banking.

Healthy primary teeth support a child’s speech development and eating habits. They also help maintain the spaces that permanent teeth will eventually occupy. In addition, they contribute to the development of the child’s facial structure.

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So although these teeth are temporary, they serve an important purpose while they are there.

5. They Need Regular Cleaning

Taking care of baby teeth begins as soon as they appear.

Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry recommends cleaning a child’s mouth at least twice a day to help remove food particles and bacteria. Before teeth emerge, parents can use a clean cloth or gauze dipped in warm water. Once teeth begin appearing, a small toothbrush can take its place.

The source also says children who are at least 3 can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Making this part of the daily routine can help children become comfortable with caring for their teeth.

6. Baby Teeth Can Decay Easily

Baby teeth deserve particular attention because their enamel is much thinner than that of adult teeth, according to the source.

Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry recommends several habits to help reduce the risk of decay, including avoiding a bottle of milk at bedtime, removing the bottle or breast after a baby falls asleep while feeding, weaning from a bottle at around 1 year, and avoiding on-demand and nighttime feedings.

Parents can also discuss their child’s feeding and dental-care habits with a pediatric dentist.

Should You Save Your Child’s Baby Teeth?

Saving baby teeth is not simply about keeping a small reminder of childhood.

The reason some parents choose to preserve them is the stem cells found in the dental pulp. Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry recommends speaking with a pediatric dentist about whether tooth banking is appropriate and which bank to use.

For something that may look like nothing more than a tiny tooth destined for the trash, there can be more to it than meets the eye.

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