Importance of Milk Teeth

Milk teeth develop during the most active period of a child’s growth. The first milk tooth usually erupts at 6 months and these teeth fall out at certain periods and are replaced by permanent teeth. This process continues until the child is 12 years old. The 20 deciduous teeth help the child chew, bite and digest, and influence jaw and facial development. They also guide the permanent teeth, ensuring that they are correctly positioned and lay the groundwork for them to remain healthy in the mouth. Early loss of primary teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the cavity and prevent permanent teeth from erupting, as well as disrupt jaw development and cause aesthetic and speech problems. The treatment of children’s teeth is an area that requires special expertise and orthodontic control is also important in this process.

Duties for Parents for Healthy Tooth Development in Babies

A baby’s first teeth usually appear as two front incisors in the lower jaw around 6 months of age. The timing of tooth eruption may vary from individual to individual; late eruption is normal and these teeth may be more resistant. Teeth should be cleaned with a clean cheesecloth after the first teeth appear (6-8 months) and a soft toothbrush should be used from 1-1.5 years of age. After 2 years of age, children can use a toothbrush, but parents should teach them this habit. From the age of 2.5 years a small amount of toothpaste can be used, but should not be swallowed.

The Effect of Bad Habits on Dental Structure in Children

• Finger sucking: This habit, which is strong in newborn babies, should usually stop by the age of 2. If it continues, it can negatively affect the development of teeth and jaws and the child should be weaned from these habits by the age of 4-5.
• Nail biting: It can start in children as early as 2 years of age and can cause wear on the biting side of the teeth.
• Teeth Grinding Teeth grinding (bruxism), which occurs during sleep or during the day, is usually caused by the contact of milk teeth. Advanced tooth erosion and facial muscle pain can be seen.
• Baby Bottle Caries: Bottle caries, which causes cavities in milk teeth, progresses rapidly due to feeding milk with added sweeteners and keeping the bottle in the mouth overnight. Failure to treat the teeth in time can lead to pain, inflammation and deformities of permanent teeth.

Precautions to Protect Children’s Teeth

• Fissure Sealant: Plastic-based materials that fill the indentations and protrusions on the chewing surfaces of molars. It protects against decay and is applied painlessly.
• Fluoride Application: Fluoride, which strengthens the enamel layer of the teeth and provides resistance to decay, can be taken systematically and locally, such as drinking water or toothpaste. Fluoride gels applied by the dentist help protect teeth against decay.
• Placeholder When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a temporary placeholder can be made to protect the space until the permanent tooth arrives. This prevents the teeth from shifting and allows orthodontic treatment if needed.

The Effect of Milk Tooth Problems on Permanent Teeth

Impacts to the milk teeth can lead to infections and irregularities in the permanent teeth. If deciduous teeth are left untreated, they may require space maintainers and the correct eruption of the 6 year old teeth may be prevented.