DO NOT UNDERRATE MILK TEETH
Pedodontics is the science of dentistry that examines oral and dental health, diseases and treatments of the children from birth to the age of puberty.
What are milk teeth and permanent teeth?
Milk teeth are the infancy teeth that grow during the breastfeeding period. During transition from milk to supplementary nutrients, milk teeth start to grow gradually and initiate chewing activity of the baby. Permanent teeth replace the milk teeth falling out with the growth of the jaw and they are the teeth that the individual will use for the rest of his/her life. In other words, no teeth will come from the bottom and permanent teeth will not fall out.
When do the milk teeth and permanent teeth grow?
Milk teeth begin to grow starting from the 6th month in a normal baby. First, the front teeth, then the back milk molar teeth grow and remain in the mouth for about 72 months. After 72 months, the milk teeth start to fall. Permanent teeth start to grow in the 72nd months, i.e. 6 years old. The first permanent teeth, the age of 6 teeth, i.e. the first molars begin to grow right next to the rearmost milk teeth. Then, the front milk teeth fall in the range of 6 to 7 years and front permanent teeth begin to grow. In the age of 6 to 12, children accommodate both permanent and milk teeth. The last milk tooth falls out and permanent tooth grows in the age range of 12-13. The last permanent tooth grows in in the age range of 16 – 24, which may vary from individual to individual.
Do the milk and permanent teeth bother while growing?
While milk teeth are growing, there could be itching, slight redness and mild pain. These are normal and no intervention is needed. Only, tethers maybe used or massages with a dump cloth may be given. When growing, permanent teeth do not discomfort as much as the milk teeth but there could be swelling and redness. Sometimes, there could be bruises. In case of bruises, you can consult to a dentist. Again, massage would be helpful. Sometimes, there could be severe pain and swelling. Such case indicates an infection and examination by a dentist would be helpful.
Do we have to protect the milk teeth? If yes, why?
Milk teeth are important in terms of adequate nutrition for the growing and developing children. Lacking milk teeth or caries affect chewing activity and adequate nutrition cannot be provided. At the same time, milk teeth guide the permanent teeth growing under them. Therefore, they should not be pulled before the falling time. If they are pulled prematurely, there will be a space in the pulled area and other teeth will close this space over time. The permanent tooth coming from the bottom cannot find a place and remains impacted or crooks. Therefore, to avoid caries in the milk teeth, they should be brushed adequately. In case of caries, necessary treatment must be administered after examination by a dentist.
Is treatment administered to the milk teeth?
Of course. Milk teeth also decay just like the permanent teeth and may cause swelling or pain. The dentists decide on and administer the right treatment by an examination to avoid premature loss of the milk teeth. Filling, root canal therapy and veneers may also be applied to the milk teeth. In some cases, even if it is early milk tooth extraction may be required. In such cases, the apparatus called space holder is prepared and unevenness is prevented by protecting the space caused by the missing tooth.
What kinds of treatments are administered to children?
Protective treatments can be applied to milk teeth before formation of caries. Treatments such as fluoride varnish, gel application are for protection of the good teeth and prevention of caries. Compomer fillings are made to the decayed milk teeth. To convince the children, colorful types of compomer fillings are developed. They are also called colored fillings. Compomer is a material with more improved features than the composites applied to the permanent teeth. In addition, fillings that we call fissure sealants are made to protect newly growing permanent teeth. Fissure sealants are applied to the deepest grooves on the teeth, where enamel pattern is formed weakly and chewing activity is carried out, i.e. fissures. Fissure sealants prevent caries formation and sensitivity for many years. Besides these, root canal therapy may be applied to milk teeth. Special materials and tools that will not damage the permanent teeth underneath are used. Artificial filling materials are filled by extracting nerves of the teeth just like the permanent teeth.
