Milk teeh – all you need to know

The first milk teeth appear in a child around 6 months of age. Initially, these are the lower incisors and canines, and then their upper counterparts. After the canines, the molars emerge, followed by the premolars. The last milk teeth, the molars, appear around the third year of life.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MILK AND PERMANENT TEETH

Compared to permanent teeth, milk teeth are whiter and smaller. The latter characteristic creates gaps between the teeth, which is natural and desirable because it helps prepare the dental arches for the eruption of permanent teeth. Milk teeth have roots that are smaller and thinner, located relatively shallow in the gums. Over time, the developing permanent teeth, which are located beneath the milk teeth, start exerting pressure on these roots, causing them to resorb. There are fewer milk teeth than permanent teeth, specifically 20. Milk teeth only include incisors to molars. The appearance of molars, around the sixth year of life, marks the transition to permanent teeth!

TAKING CARE OF MILK TEETH

From the appearance of the first baby tooth, it’s important to establish a tooth brushing routine. The condition of a child’s milk teeth influences the health of their permanent teeth later on. When choosing a toothbrush, consider the child’s age group. It’s also advisable to select a fluoride toothpaste and assist the child in brushing their teeth until around 8 years of age.

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of milk teeth. To ensure healthy milk teeth, it’s essential to limit the consumption of sugary drinks, cookies, crisps, and toffee. It’s particularly important to avoid these products, especially at night, as they can stick to the teeth and serve as a food source for bacteria. A child’s diet should be rich in vegetables and fruits, as they are not only healthy but also help remove excess plaque from the teeth and increase saliva production, which aids in cleaning the teeth.

WHAT IF I DON’T TAKE CARE OF MILK TEETH?

Neglecting your child’s milk teeth can result in their premature loss, requiring orthodontic and speech therapy. Milk teeth not only affect the appearance of the child but also maintain space for permanent teeth. If they fall out too early, the adjacent teeth begin to shift into the gap, shortening the dental arch and leaving less space for growing permanent teeth. Future teeth may emerge in an uneven row or overlap, disrupting the bite, necessitating orthodontic treatment. Milk teeth also contribute to proper chewing and speech development.

Healthy milk teeth lead to healthy permanent teeth!