Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in instilling good oral hygiene practices for children to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. Establishing these habits can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. It’s important to take care of deciduous teeth before your permanent teeth emerge. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about deciduous teeth and the importance of scheduling an appointment with our general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ.
When Do Baby Teeth Come in?
Deciduous teeth, also known as primary or baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that we develop. They eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent (adult) teeth. These teeth typically begin to emerge around six months of age. All 20 deciduous teeth are usually finished erupting by the age of three. Around the age of six, permanent teeth begin to present, causing the baby teeth to exfoliate. Although deciduous teeth are replaced, they play a vital role in a child’s early development.
One of the main functions of deciduous teeth is facilitating the proper eating and chewing of food. As a child transition from a liquid diet to solid foods, these teeth allow them to bite, tear, and grind food into smaller, more manageable pieces. Not only does this promote healthy digestion but also fosters the development of strong jaw muscles.
Furthermore, they serve as crucial placeholders for your permanent teeth. Primary teeth maintain the necessary space within the jawbone, guiding the eruption of adult teeth, and ensuring they emerge in healthy alignment. It’s important to note that the premature loss of deciduous teeth can disrupt how your permanent teeth emerge, leading to crowding, misalignment, and other serious orthodontic issues that require intervention.
The health and preservation of baby teeth can significantly impact a child’s overall oral health. It’s important to maintain the cavity-free status of primary teeth. If tooth decay develops in baby teeth it can lead to pain, infection, and premature tooth loss. This can negatively impact speech development, a child’s nutrition, and self-esteem. Untreated tooth decay in primary teeth can increase the risk of decay in permanent teeth. Therefore, you must establish good oral hygiene practices early in childhood. This includes visiting a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
How Are Deciduous Teeth Different from Permanent Teeth?
There are numerous differences between deciduous and permanent teeth. First, primary teeth are smaller and have thinner enamel than permanent teeth. This is because primary teeth are designed to fall out to make room for permanent teeth. In addition to size, deciduous teeth often appear whiter.
The structure of deciduous teeth is much more delicate. The roots are shorter than permanent teeth, as they are not supposed to fall out. Typically, children have 20 deciduous teeth, while adults have 32 permanent teeth. The shape also differs, as front permanent teeth often come in with bumps that wear off over time.
If you need a team of dental professionals, schedule an appointment with us today. At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we will have years of experience and ensure all of our patients leave with a healthy smile.
