Baby teeth- Why Do Babies Have Baby Teeth?

Primary teeth are crucial because they facilitate eating, speech, muscular development, and the maintenance of jaw space for the development of permanent teeth, which are already present under the gums. They also guide the development of permanent teeth in the correct position.

Are they present at birth?

Some infants are born with their first tooth, known as a Natal tooth, while others develop their first tooth during the first month of life, known as a Neonatal tooth. Natal and neonatal teeth must be extracted because they can hinder breastfeeding. Other possible issues include tooth aspiration by the infant.

When Are They Grown Out?

Most babies get their first tooth when they are about 6 months old, but it can happen as early as 3 months. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. By the age of 3-4 years 20 primary teeth are present inside infant’s mouth.

Which teeth are first and last to appear?

Lower front teeth, known as central incisors, usually appear first between 6 and 12 months. It is also common for the upper central incisors to erupt between 8 and 12 months following the eruption of the lower central incisors. Primary 2nd molars are the last teeth to erupt in the oral cavity of infants.

Baby teeth- which teeth are first taken by tooth fairy?

At 6 years of age, the primary central incisors (the front teeth) are the first teeth to fall out, followed by the eruption of permanent centrals and the first permanent molars. There is no need to be concerned if there is a year or two lapse.

Should I Worry About My Child’s Teeth?

Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, primary teeth develop. A slight delay is acceptable, but if your kid does not have teeth between the ages of 18 and 24 months, they should consult a kid’s dentist who does specific tests to determine the existence of primary teeth inside the bone.

Is There a Difference Between Baby Teeth and Adult Teeth?

Baby teeth are smaller than adult teeth, allowing them to fit into babies’ smaller jaws, and there are spaces between primary teeth to allow for the eruption of permanent teeth when primary teeth are shed.
Baby teeth are also thinner and whiter than adult teeth, with a thinner coating of enamel, the tooth’s protective outermost covering; as a consequence of the weaker layer of enamel, baby teeth are more prone to cavities and decay.
Their roots are also thinner and shorter.
There are 20 primary teeth by the age of 3 to 4 years and 28 permanent teeth by the age of 12 to 15 years, with the exception of the third molars, which erupt between 17 and 21 years of age.

Baby Teeth – When Are They replaced by adult teeth?

For around 6 years, a child’s jaws are robust enough to sustain permanent teeth. Eventually, all 20 primary teeth will fall out and be replaced by 28 permanent teeth. The majority of kids lose their teeth by the time they are 6 years old.

Early tooth loss may be brought on by trauma or dental conditions including periodontal disease or cavities. A visit to the dentist should be made if your child loses a tooth before the age of 3 or 4.

As permanent teeth grow in, they put pressure on the roots of the primary teeth, which eventually resorb and the teeth are lost. Before it falls out, the tooth may be a bit unsteady for a few weeks. It will loosen up with time.

It’s possible that some teeth may eventually fall out after wriggling about in the gums for weeks or even months at a time.

If your baby’s teeth don’t fall out on their own, a dentist should be consulted. Your child’s tooth may be securely and painlessly removed by a dentist.

After the loss of primary teeth, permanent teeth may begin to emerge within a week to six months.

How to take care of Baby teeth?

Even with infant’s teeth, though, good care and cleanliness are critical.

Good dental hygiene habits should be developed early in childhood so that when permanent teeth emerge, the child is ready to care for them for a lifetime.

If baby teeth are affected by cavities or gingivitis, the permanent teeth forming beneath them may be affected.

When a baby’s first tooth develops in the mouth, it is ideal to begin brushing their teeth as early as possible.
Even before the emergence of teeth, clean the jaws and tongue of infants with a piece of wet gauze or a clean, damp cloth.

Some of the things a parent may do to clean their child’s mouth include:

To effectively clean their teeth, kids require a little, soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
At 18 months, they may use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste.
Circular motions are beneficial for cleaning all surfaces of the teeth and gums.
Place the toothbrush at 45 degrees angle towards the gums of baby’s teeth, brushing softly back and forth and upwards for upper teeth and downwards for lower teeth.
After cleaning all surfaces of the teeth (internal, exterior, and chewing), brush the tongue’s surface to eradicate bacteria.
Spend at least 2 minutes on your baby’s teeth brushing.
For 2 minutes, set a timer or play your child’s favorite music.
Parents should demonstrate proper tooth brushing to their infants before letting them brush on their own,
They must keep track of their brushing technique.
After brushing, advise your child to spit out any leftover toothpaste and rinse their mouth.
Clean the brush and allow it to dry in a sterile environment.

Children must brush their teeth twice daily, ideally after breakfast and before bedtime, to avoid dental disease and prolonged plaque formation.

Also, before cleaning your baby’s teeth, use dental floss to remove food particles that are difficult to remove with brushing alone.