Many people think that cavities in baby teeth don’t matter because “they will fall out anyway.” This is one of the most dangerous myths in dentistry. Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are not only important for chewing and speaking — they also act as natural placeholders, guiding the proper growth and alignment of the permanent teeth that develop right beneath them. When decay in a baby tooth is ignored, infection can penetrate through the roots and spread to the underlying permanent tooth bud, which is still forming inside the jawbone. Preventing this cascade of problems is simpler than treating them later. Regular dental checkups, fluoride use, proper brushing, and limiting sugary snacks play a key role in protecting baby teeth. Parents should remember: cavities are not “just cavities” — they are infections. And infections, if left unchecked, will spread. Protecting a child’s baby teeth is essentially protecting their future permanent smile.