Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage for every human. But what do you need to know about permanent teeth? Most children will begin losing their baby teeth around five or six years old. We usually have 20 baby teeth, but as we age, we can have up to 32 permanent teeth. All permanent teeth are usually in by the time a child is 12 or 13 years old. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when teaching your kids about their permanent teeth.
How do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
The permanent tooth under the gum begins to press into the baby tooth which loosens it. Eventually, the permanent teeth will erode the roots of the baby teeth which, thankfully, is painless. After the baby tooth roots have eroded, the permanent adult tooth pushes through.
Permanent teeth are bigger than baby teeth. The separation between the baby teeth will likely disappear as the adult teeth take over. Sometimes the permanent teeth do not have enough space to position themselves correctly. This is why some permanent teeth grow in crooked. Luckily when all adult teeth have come in, they tend to align themselves a little on their own.
What Special Care do Permanent Teeth Require?
Make sure to explain tochildren what the word permanentmeans. Help them understand that these new teeth are the teeth they will havefor the rest of their lives. Let us help you show them how important proper oralhygiene is. At Danville Family Dentistry, we believe in oral health education. Our staff specializes in gentle, comfortable care.
When new permanent teeth arrive in your child’s mouth, they are still immature and poorly resistant to decay. Exposure to excessive amountsof sugar can rapidly decrease the health of the new tooth. Using toothpaste with fluoride is recommended to keep new teeth healthy. In addition to having antibacterial properties such as a disinfectant, fluoride helps make teeth resistant to sugars and highly acidic foods or drinks. The fluoride works to protect new teeth by strengtheningthe enamel on the surface.
As children get closer to their teenage years, make sure they are protecting their new permanent teeth while playing sports. Using mouthguardscould prevent seriousaccidents.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Many parents ask us if their child will need his or her wisdom teeth removed. The answer is maybe. There are genetics and some other factors at play when it comes to these otherfour permanent teeth.
Some people will never have to worry about wisdom teeth because they just weren’t born with them. The appearance of wisdom teeth for most people only happens once they are in their early twenties or a little before. Some young adults will be fine keeping their wisdom teeth. Danville Family Dentistry can help you keep an eye on the progression of these teeth. Many people have them safely removed before they have a chance to erupt through the gums.
Remember, all teeth are importantregardless of where they are in their stage of development. Good oral hygiene can prevent pain and loss of permanent teeth in the future. Call us now at 317-745-4400 and let us show you how to create good habits so you can keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape for the rest of your life!
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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