Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. It is important to remember that oral health affects more than the health of your teeth. Cavities in baby teeth cause pain and swelling that can be tremendously uncomfortable for your child. Oral infections can enter the blood stream and lead to other serious health problems. Bacteria can quickly ‘jump’ from one part of the mouth to another, thus resulting in infections and cavities in new erupting adult teeth.