Table of contents:
- Difference between baby teeth and permanent teeth
- 1. Number and composition of teeth
- 2. Tooth shape and structure
- 3. The enamel and dentin of baby teeth are thinner
- Tips for maintaining healthy teeth since childhood
As you already know, there are two types of teeth, namely baby teeth and permanent teeth. Although baby teeth appear only briefly and are then replaced by permanent teeth. However, baby teeth are no less important than permanent teeth. Dental health must be maintained since teeth appear, even if only baby teeth. But, do you know the difference between baby teeth and permanent teeth?
Difference between baby teeth and permanent teeth
1. Number and composition of teeth
The most obvious difference between baby teeth and adult teeth is the number and composition of the teeth. Permanent teeth have a greater number than milk teeth. There are 20 baby teeth in children, consisting of 4 front incisors, 4 side incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars. Meanwhile, there are 32 permanent teeth, consisting of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 front molars and 12 rear molars.
2. Tooth shape and structure
Judging from its size, baby teeth are certainly different from permanent teeth. Usually the permanent teeth are bigger in shape than these baby teeth. In addition, newly-grown front permanent teeth usually have mammelons, which are small protrusions on the teeth that can eventually disappear on their own.
The roots in the teeth are also different. Baby teeth have shorter and thinner roots compared to permanent teeth. This makes the teeth in babies easier to fall out than permanent teeth in adults. In addition, the short root also aims to provide more room for permanent teeth to develop before their time appears. These short roots can also be lost when teeth fall out and replaced with permanent teeth.
3. The enamel and dentin of baby teeth are thinner
Because baby tooth enamel is thinner than permanent teeth, it's no wonder baby teeth have a whiter color than permanent teeth in general. However, the thinner enamel and dentin make it easier for baby teeth to suffer decay or cavities.
If the baby tooth has a little cavity, then its development will reach the nerve of the tooth more quickly. This makes the baby's teeth more prone to decay. So, it is highly recommended that dental health is maintained since childhood, even since the teeth begin to grow. However, unfortunately, there are still many parents who have not realized the importance of dental health for their children since the appearance of teeth.
Tips for maintaining healthy teeth since childhood
From the explanation above, it can be seen that the health of baby teeth is no less important than permanent teeth. Although in the end baby teeth will fall out and permanent teeth will be replaced. In fact, the health of baby teeth can actually determine the growth of permanent teeth as well. So, it is better for dental health to be noticed from an early age.
Some tips for caring for teeth to avoid cavities since childhood are:
- Do not make it a habit for small children to drink milk while lying down. This habit can increase the risk of cavities in children.
- Make it a habit to brush your teeth regularly twice a day, namely in the morning and before bed.
- Get regular dental checkups. In fact, dental examinations are needed when the child is one year old.
- Take care of your food. Don't eat sweet and sour foods too often. Also, multiply vegetables and fruits that contain lots of vitamins and minerals to maintain the health of your gums.
