Milk Teeth When Do They Erupt, How Many Are There, and When Do They Fall Out?
The first milk teeth begin to erupt around 6 months of age. This process can vary from baby to baby (ranging from 3 to 12 months). The eruption of milk teeth is usually completed by the age of 2.5 to 3 years. There are a total of 20 milk teeth, 10 in the lower jaw and 10 in the upper jaw. The mixed dentition period begins at the age of 6. The transition process starts with the loosening of the lower incisors around 5-5.5 years old. Parents often assume that since the front teeth fall out first, the other milk teeth will also change within a few months or a year. However, the age for the replacement of milk molars is around 10-11 years on average. The age at which milk teeth fall out can vary from child to child.
When Should You Take Your Child to the Dentist?
The first dental examination should be done within 6 months after the first tooth erupts. The first dental examination is important because it provides information to parents about the baby's feeding habits and how to clean the teeth. Early childhood caries (bottle tooth decay) occurs due to incorrect feeding habits and the misconception that milk teeth will change anyway. These can be prevented with regular check-ups after the first examination.
Cavities in Milk Teeth
There are many risk factors for cavities in milk teeth.
Night feeding: The continuation of breastfeeding, especially at night, after 18 months from the start of breastfeeding, is the biggest risk factor for milk teeth. Although breast milk has many protective properties, when given at night after the eruption of milk teeth, it leads to early childhood cavities. This is because the saliva flow, which cleans the tooth surfaces, decreases at night, allowing breast milk to remain on the tooth surface for a long time. This results in early cavities starting with chalky white appearance and progressing to fractures in milk teeth.
Brushing left to the child: Considering that motor function capability is established around 8-9 years old, it is not possible for the child to clean their teeth effectively on their own. Brushing by parents, especially before bedtime, is important. Opportunities can be given for children to do it by themselves in the mornings.
Giving milk after brushing before bedtime: Oral inhalers used for conditions such as allergic asthma contain some amount of sugar, so the mouth must be rinsed with water to prevent cavities.
Excessive amount and frequency of snacks, and their quality: Choosing plain chocolate instead of wafers, promoting saliva flow in the mouth by chewing gum can reduce cavities in molars. Nuts and dried fruits can be preferred as snacks. Snacking frequency can be reduced.
What to Do When There Is a Cavity?
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral problems in children. Cavities in milk teeth are preventable and reversible infections. However, when left untreated, it can lead to pain, abscess, inadequate nutrition, decreased growth and development, speech disorders, early tooth loss, and unfortunately, social exclusion by peers. Therefore, preventive measures are important in the fight against preventable diseases like tooth decay.
How to Perform Oral Care?
- Parents should start brushing their children's teeth after the first tooth erupts. Since children's manual dexterity is not sufficient yet, they cannot brush their teeth effectively. Parents should brush their children's teeth at least until the age of 6-7, and then monitor them while they brush.
- Teeth should be brushed twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime.
- The toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by the dentist according to the child's age and needs should be used.
What Happens If Milk Teeth Do Not Fall Out?
If milk teeth do not fall out, the cause should be investigated. If there is a shedding disorder affecting all teeth, genetic factors may be involved, or it may be due to a condition such as hypothyroidism or rickets. If there is no continuous tooth germ below, the milk tooth can remain in the mouth for many years due to the absence of tooth eruption movement. Sometimes, there are ankylotic milk teeth that show retention for any reason even though there is a continuous tooth germ below. Such teeth remain below the occlusal plane due to the cessation of development.
