The Primary Teeth: Dr ‘Atil Athirah

Klinik Pergigian Fauziah’s team are real good experts in getting you a more beautiful and attractive smile. Lets take a break off cosmetic dentistry for a bit and allow me to share with you the development of the primary also known as the “milk” or “baby” teeth.
Every parent or caregiver should know that a complete set of “baby” teeth consists of 20 teeth; 10 teeth on each upper and lower jaw. At birth the crowns of the 20 “baby” teeth are actually almost completely formed but is hidden in the infant’s jawbones. They then gradually erupt through the gums during the first 2 ½ years of life.

The four front teeth, 2 upper and 2 lower usually are usually the first to erupt beginning at 6 months after birth. This eruption process continues making most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old. The jaw also continues to grow as the child grows making room for the permanent (adult) teeth that will begin to erupt at the age of 6 years old. The primary teeth then begin to shed between ages of 6 to 7 years. This process continues until about the age of 12 to 14 years.

Although the primary teeth are temporary however they require good care in order for a child to chew easily and pronounce words clearly.

The primary teeth also holds a place in the jaw for the permanent teeth which move into place as the primary teeth are shed. They should also be kept clean and healthy so that a child is cavity and pain free as infection from a decayed primary teeth can cause damage to the permanent teeth developing underneath them.

Tooth decay in infants and toodlers are known as early childhood caries. This condition occurs when a child’s teeth are exposed frequently to sugary liquids for long periods.

As parents and care-givers, you can help reduce the risk of decay.
Here is a list of a few preventive steps to take:
1. Never allow your infant or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or any sweetened liquid.
2. Do not dip a pacifier in sugar or honey.
3. Wipe your child’s gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze pad after each feeding.
4. Begin brushing your child’s teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears.
5. Supervise toothbrushing to make sure that children older than 2 years use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and avoid swallowing.
6. Children should be taught to spit out remaining toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing.

Hopefully you have a better understanding of the primary teeth after reading this blog entry.
So what are you waiting for?? Hurry and set an appointment for your child with our team. =)