Baby teeth and adult teeth are very different from each other. It is widely well-known by the population that baby teeth are supposed to fall out and permanent teeth are supposed to grow in their place. However, there are a number of things that individuals, especially parents of young children, should know about baby teeth and their development.
What are the basics about baby teeth that new parents should know?
- Baby teeth usually come in around 6 to 12 months but can come in later than that.
- Baby teeth usually begin to fall out at around age 6, but they can fall out any time they are ready and an adult tooth starts to take its place.
- It is important to teach healthy oral hygiene habits at a young age so that children can grow up to have those same healthy habits as adults.
- Expect your child to experience some pain. Teeth growing in and cutting through the gums can be painful, and so can having to pull the teeth out.
- Most likely, baby teeth will fall out on their own, however, sometimes it is necessary to pull teeth out.
- Baby teeth need to be professionally cleaned twice a year by a dental hygienist, just like adult teeth.
What if primary teeth don’t come in?
Sometimes baby teeth come in late, but it is rare that teeth fail to come in altogether. If a child’s baby teeth do not come in around the time they are supposed to, at 6 to 12 months old, it is a smart move to contact a pediatric dentist to evaluate the situation and recommend solutions.
What if baby teeth come in crooked or overlapping?
It is not uncommon for primary teeth, and adult teeth, to grow in crooked or overlapping with one another. When this happens to baby teeth, it is usually not an issue, but should be monitored closely in case they need to be fixed with braces or through surgery. It is always important to have a dentist check in on your child’s teeth, and especially if they are not coming in straight.
What if teeth start growing in under the tongue?
It is rare but possible for teeth to grow in centimeters away from the gums they should be growing into. Sometimes teeth can even grow in underneath the tongue. If this starts to occur, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to get it taken care of. Doctor Buchheit can extract the tooth before it becomes too uncomfortable or leads to other complications.
Overall, baby teeth should be treated with the same care as adult teeth. Baby teeth need to be monitored regularly to ensure they are growing properly and are leaving enough space for permanent teeth to grow in later.
Contact Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Centers:
314-576-0088
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
14377 Woodlake Dr Ste 205
Chesterfield, Missouri
28036
