Primary Teeth

Primary Teeth, The teeth are the most sensitive part of the human body, as they are affected by any defect or damage that may affect the body. Therefore, by the wisdom of the Almighty, He created primary teeth for the child, which are then replaced until their permanent teeth are fully developed, which they will live with. However, it is necessary to care for these primary teeth because their health will determine the strength and health of the permanent teeth later on.

Primary Teeth

Primary Teeth

Primary teeth, also known as milk teeth, baby teeth, deciduous teeth, or temporary teeth, are 20 in number and grow shortly after birth; they are the initial teeth that appear during the teething stage and can be painful for the child during their eruption, so efforts should be made to alleviate this stage for them. These teeth must be properly cared for as they are more susceptible to cavities, inflammation, and infection due to the child’s frequent use of their thumb and consumption of sweets during this period. Therefore, special care must be taken with primary teeth to avoid negatively impacting and weakening the permanent teeth later on.

When do primary teeth appear in children?

The teething stage occurs during infancy, around 6 or 7 months after birth, and the primary teeth fully erupt by the time the child reaches two and a half years old. The lower front teeth usually appear first. The child experiences discomfort during this stage, so the family should support the child and help them through this phase of irritation. There are symptoms that indicate the start of this stage, such as:

• The child’s constant discomfort.
• The child’s refusal to eat.
• The child’s constant fussiness and irritability.
• Irregular sleep patterns.
• Biting; this is the most common sign indicating the start of teething.
• Inflamed gums with redness and swelling.
• Excessive drooling from the child’s mouth.

“Don’t hesitate to lay a strong, healthy foundation for your children’s teeth. Our Dental Care Center offers specialized services for primary teeth to ensure their healthy growth and the future strength of their teeth.”

Should primary teeth be extracted as soon as they become loose?

No, primary teeth should not be extracted as soon as they become loose because they will naturally fall out when the permanent teeth push them out at the appropriate time. However, as soon as the child’s teeth start to become loose, it is essential to maintain proper cleaning, even if the teeth are expected to fall out later. Failure to clean them with toothpaste and a toothbrush will cause gum inflammation and problems with the remaining teeth. Nevertheless, caution and gentleness should be exercised when brushing the teeth. If the child becomes distressed or experiences severe pain, a visit to the dentist is recommended.

How many primary teeth fall out?

As mentioned earlier, the number of primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, is 20 – 10 in the lower jaw and 10 in the upper jaw. All of them will have erupted by the age of three, and around the age of six, they will start to be replaced by permanent teeth.

How can I distinguish primary teeth from permanent teeth?

There are significant differences between primary and permanent teeth that make them easy to distinguish:

• Primary teeth are more brilliantly white compared to permanent teeth, which tend to have a more yellow tint.
• The enamel layer of primary teeth is thinner than that of permanent teeth. Therefore, if the child consumes sugary foods and does not drink enough water containing fluoride, they are more likely to develop cavities.
• The permanent front teeth have small ridges on their upper portion, which eventually wear off, making them distinct in shape from primary teeth.
• The shorter and thinner roots of primary teeth facilitate their dissolution when they fall out and make room for the permanent teeth to emerge clearly.
• The difference in number is one of the easiest ways to distinguish between primary and permanent teeth due to the different age stages. Primary teeth are 20 in number and appear in children, while permanent teeth are 32 in number (including 4 wisdom teeth) and appear in adults. This difference is due to the smaller size of a child’s mouth compared to an adult’s, and the longer jaw length as they grow older, providing space for the full set of permanent teeth to emerge.

“Your dental health matters to us. At Our Dental Care Center, we provide specialized care for both primary and permanent teeth to achieve optimal dental health and a radiant smile.”

When are primary teeth replaced?

Primary teeth typically fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth around the age of six due to the weakness and loosening of the primary teeth and the significant pressure exerted by the larger permanent teeth growing under the gums. To prevent psychological impact on the child, they should be informed about the nature of this stage and the potential for severe pain, gum bleeding, and advised against consuming sweets or neglecting oral hygiene to avoid exacerbating the discomfort.

The importance of caring for a child’s primary teeth cannot be overstated.

What is the significance of caring for a child’s primary teeth?

Primary teeth play an important role, and therefore, it is crucial to care for them. The reasons for maintaining their cleanliness and providing special care include:

• Facilitating the child’s ability to chew food and improve their speech.
• Providing space for the permanent teeth that will emerge later.
• Neglecting their hygiene may cause severe pain for the child, which can subsequently affect the permanent teeth.
• Cavities in primary teeth may lead to their premature removal, leaving a gap that can cause infections and gum disease, and potentially lead to the misalignment of permanent teeth during adolescence.

Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness in children about the importance of maintaining their teeth from an early age and taking good care of them to achieve healthy teeth and a radiant smile in adulthood. To learn more about childhood tooth decay, read the following article.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Children

Tooth decay in children is one of the most common problems affecting their health and causing anxiety for parents, especially due to its symptoms that can disrupt the entire family’s lifestyle and particularly their dietary habits. Here are these symptoms:

1. The child’s teeth develop white or brown spots.
2. The child becomes irritable and defiant due to the pain and deprivation of their favorite sweets.
3. High sensitivity to cold food and beverages.
4. Swollen gums and mouth sores, which may affect the child’s appetite and cause them to refuse food.
5. Inability to perform daily activities and constant lethargy and fatigue.

How to care for a child’s teeth

Here are some instructions to follow to maintain healthy teeth for our children:

1. Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the teeth.
2. Use the toothbrush in a gentle circular motion on the front surface of the teeth without applying pressure.
3. Ensure that all teeth and molars are thoroughly brushed with toothpaste, and repeat the process on the inner surface of the teeth.
4. Gently brush the tongue to remove any leftover debris and prevent bad breath.
5. It is recommended to follow these steps twice a day.

To learn more about children’s teeth, read the following article.