What is the Difference Between Primary and Permanent Teeth?

Children start to grow teeth when they are around six or seven months old. These primary teeth will start to fall off by the age of six to be replaced by permanent teeth. While primary teeth will be replaced in time, good oral care is important for both the primary and permanent teeth. Establishing a habit with the children while they are young can help them have strong and healthy teeth as they grow.

Primary vs permanent teeth

Primary teeth are also known as baby teeth, milk teeth, or deciduous teeth. They act as placeholders for permanent adult teeth, but they have different composition, structure, and number.

Primary teeth are smaller and look whiter than permanent teeth because they have thinner enamel. Their roots are also shorter and thinner. Primary teeth are usually just 20, while there are 32 permanent adult teeth.

Permanent teeth will start to appear when a child is around six years old, and the jaw is large enough. By the age of 13, a child may already have 28 permanent teeth. Four wisdom teeth often start to come out at age 17 to 21, but not all of them may erupt.

While babies’ first teeth tend to be the front teeth, top or bottom, the first permanent teeth to come out are the molars. Molars don’t replace any existing teeth, so they can be mistaken as primary teeth.

Primary teeth guide permanent teeth in growing in the right position. They also help shape the face and play an important role in helping a child learn to eat and speak.

Good oral care for primary and permanent teeth

Teeth need to be taken care of properly so they will last long, even for a lifetime. Many people tend to take the primary teeth for granted because they will be replaced eventually. However, good oral care is always necessary. If not taken care of properly, they can cause problems for the children.

Bring the children to the dentist as early as six months old. It is important to visit the dentist regularly, especially when the permanent teeth start to erupt. Prevention is always better, and the dentist can detect potential problems in the teeth before they become bigger issues.

To sum it up

Primary and permanent teeth are part of human growth and are equally important. They have a role to play in children’s development, and how the teeth are taken care of during the younger years can be carried over adulthood. Primary and permanent teeth both need good oral care. Permanent teeth can last a lifetime with proper care, and good oral care habits can begin as young as possible.

If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental health, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.