Your children's baby teeth play several roles, including enabling them to chew solid food. The primary teeth hold space for the permanent teeth and serve as a placeholder within the gums to facilitate healthy oral development. They also play a key role in your child's speech development. Keeping the primary teeth healthy sets the stage for a growing smile that is stable, balanced, and naturally functional. If your child loses or damages a primary tooth, it is important to address it as soon as possible to avoid more complex problems down the road.