Difference Between Milk Teeth and Permanent Teeth

Deciduous teeth are essential actors in the early years, helping children chew and speak properly.

Milk or baby teeth are the initial set of 20 teeth that emerge in early childhood, serving as placeholders for the 32 stronger, larger permanent teeth that gradually replace them. These secondary teeth are built to last a lifetime and differ from milk teeth in size, strength and enamel thickness, playing a crucial role in overall oral health. Dr Kanchana Suresh from Vetri Dental Clinic in Tirunelveli provides a detailed explanation of these differences and their significance in dental development in this article.

 Remember the thrill of losing that first tooth? Perhaps it was whisked away by the mythical Tooth Fairy, leaving a shiny coin under your pillow. Those were your milk teeth, also fondly known as deciduous, primary, or baby teeth—terms as transient as their stay in our mouths. In addition to being larger than baby teeth, your permanent teeth are also stronger & have more enamel to help protect your teeth for many years.

While primary teeth will be replaced in time, good oral care is important for both the primary and permanent teeth. Instilling good habits in children from a young age can help them maintain strong oral health as they grow.

 Deciduous Teeth

 Children typically begin teething around six to seven months old. Temporary teeth start to appear when a baby is about six months old, and by the time a child turns three, they usually flaunt a complete set of 20 pearly whites.

These deciduous teeth will start to fall out by age six, paving the way for permanent ones. They differ in composition, structure, number and are generally smaller, whiter, and have thinner enamel compared to permanent teeth. Additionally, they have a shorter and thinner base, serving as essential placeholders that play a crucial part in the alignment and spacing of future adult teeth.

Deciduous teeth are essential actors in the early years, helping children chew and  speak properly. They also hold the fort, keeping space in the gums for their  successors. But like child stars who outgrow their initial fame, milk teeth eventually gracefully exit to make room for the new leads.

 Permanent Teeth or Secondary Teeth

The permanent teeth gradually take over the stage. These are meant to last a lifetime, 32, each making its grand entrance and they emerge around six when the jaw has grown adequately. By age 13, most children have 28 of their adult teeth. There are 32 in total, divided into eight types: central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first and second premolars then first, second and third molars. Each type is found in each of the four quadrants of the mouth, making up a complete set. They are sturdier and more significant, designed to endure the wear and tear of years of eating and speaking. Their roots run deep and are packed with the toughness needed for the long haul. However, unlike milk teeth, when they're gone, they're gone. This casts a spotlight on the importance of dental hygiene—these permanent teeth require medical help to keep them sparkling through the years.

 Interestingly, while the first baby teeth to appear are usually the front tooth, the first permanent teeth to erupt are the molars.

The wisdom sets typically appear between 17 and 21, although not all may erupt. They are a type of adult molar that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. While they are intended to be permanent, many people have their wisdom teeth extracted due to potential crowding and undesirable shifting in their mouths. As a result, most individuals end up with only 28 of the standard 32

Enamel Thickness of teeth

The enamel on permanent teeth is thicker and more durable, offering better protection against decay. In contrast, baby teeth have softer, thinner enamel, making them more susceptible to cavities, especially with frequent consumption of sugary foods and juices.

Despite being temporary, it's crucial to maintain good dental hygiene to prevent decay and ensure that these serve their purpose effectively as placeholders for permanents.  Proper care also supports the healthy development of dental structures.

The Importance of Oral Care

Maintaining healthy teeth is essential for longevity and with proper care, they  can potentially last a lifetime. Primary teeth are sometimes overlooked because they are temporary, but they require diligent care to prevent complications that could affect a child's oral health.

It is advisable to take children to the dentist by six months old and continue regular visits, particularly as permanent teeth start to come in. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent and address potential oral issues early on. By taking a proactive approach to dental hygiene and professional care, we can prevent many dental issues that might otherwise compromise a person's quality of life as they age.

 Dental care plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. Proper oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, prevents the buildup of plaque, which can lead to decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment of oral problems before they develop into more serious conditions. Additionally, professional cleanings by the dentist remove tartar that can't be brushed away at home.

Dental care is not only about keeping teeth and gums healthy; it also impacts other aspects of well-being, including heart disease and diabetes management, by reducing the potential for inflammatory responses throughout the body. Thus, maintaining good dental hygiene is vital for sustaining both oral and general health.

Conclusion: Key Information Recap

Both primary and permanent sets play integral roles in a child's development. The care given to a child's dental hygiene from an early age can influence their overall dental well-being into adulthood. Both teeth sets demand diligent oral hygiene to ensure they last as long as possible

For more information on dental care or if you have any questions about maintaining healthy teeth for your child, please contact Vetri Dental today. Our dentist provides expert advice and quality dental services to treat and prevent cavities and other dental infections, ensuring the best oral health for your family.

Vetri Dental Care Centre - Root Canal and Dental Implants - Best Dental Clinic in Tirunelveli

10B, No.10-B, Trivandrum Rd, Vannarpet, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627002

0462 250 0807

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