Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play an important role in a child’s development. They are the first set of teeth to emerge and are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. While baby teeth may seem small and insignificant, they have some fascinating facts that you may not be aware of. Let’s explore some fun facts about baby teeth!
Babies Get Their Teeth Early in Life
Did you know that most babies start teething around six months of age? However, the exact timing can vary from one child to another. Some infants might begin teething as early as three months, while others may not see their first tooth until their first birthday or later. It’s all part of the natural developmental process.
While the typical sequence of tooth eruption is fairly consistent, each child’s timing might vary slightly. However, generally, the two front bottom teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the top central incisors.
There Are Fewer Baby Teeth Than Permanent Teeth
Baby teeth are composed of a total of 20 teeth—10 on the top and 10 on the bottom [1]. These teeth are crucial for chewing, speaking, and guiding the proper alignment of permanent teeth. However, there are far fewer baby teeth than there are adult teeth. While children only have 20 primary teeth, they will have 32 by the time they reach adulthood!
Primary Teeth Are Whiter Than Adult Teeth
Baby teeth may appear whiter than permanent teeth. But why? The color difference is due to the thinner enamel of baby teeth, allowing the lighter dentin layer to show through. As a result, baby teeth often have a slightly translucent or pearly appearance compared to adult teeth.
Early Tooth Decay
Because baby teeth have thinner tooth enamel, they are more susceptible to decay than permanent teeth [2]. In addition, the oral hygiene habits of young children may not be as thorough. This is why it’s so important to establish proper oral care practices early on to prevent cavities and promote dental health, as well as keep regular visits with your child’s dentist!
Baby Teeth Are Important
Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, they are important! Baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. They help guide the erupting permanent teeth into their proper positions. Losing baby teeth prematurely due to decay or injury can lead to crowding and alignment issues with permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth to decay may even increase your child’s risk for cavities in the permanent teeth [3].
Cherish Your Child’s Baby Teeth
Baby teeth may only be temporary, but they are essential to a child’s oral health. Understanding these fun facts about baby teeth can help parents and children appreciate the significance of these adorable pearly whites. So, take good care of those little teeth, and remember to enjoy the journey of your child’s dental milestones!
Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/eruption-charts
2. https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/what-every-parent-needs-to-know-about-baby-
teeth/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7541284/
