We first begin growing teeth during infancy, but these primary teeth, also known as baby teeth or milk teeth, are not the same teeth we maintain in our adulthood. Around age 5 or 6, baby teeth begin to fall out, and adult permanent teeth grow in their stead.
Even though we lose baby teeth, they are still crucial to our overall oral health, and you must take proper care of them like you would your permanent teeth. When you know more about these primary teeth in relation to permanent teeth, you can help your child maintain a healthy a smile. Explore the difference and similarities between baby teeth and adult teeth when you read on.
Different Dental Compositions Between Baby and Adult Teeth
Baby teeth allow children to chew, speak, and perform other oral functions while their jaws and facial structures continue to develop. When kids grow older, the root of the baby teeth begin to shorten. Eventually, the tooth will loosen in the gums and fall out of its socket.
Then an adult permanent tooth can grow in its place. These teeth feature longer roots that will remain secure in the gums and jaw when you maintain good oral health. You might notice that adult teeth are larger in size than baby teeth, but they also have other differences in their composition.
Baby teeth have thinner enamel, the hard outer shell of the tooth, than adult ones. Because of this, preventive care to protect the tooth’s health is crucial. Kids also have fewer baby teeth due to their smaller jaw sizes than they will adult teeth.
Baby teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. But this role proves important to the development of speech and eating habits in children. So do not neglect dental care from a family dentist for these teeth.
Take Care of Both Primary and Permanent Teeth
Both primary and permanent teeth will require consistent oral hygiene and dental care to remain healthy. Even though baby teeth fall out, their role in oral development in children means their health must be prioritized.
Plus, if a child forms a cavity in a baby tooth that goes untreated, then the lingering decay can weaken the underlying adult teeth. This could set them up for long-term oral health problems.
Adult teeth have a stronger dental structure than baby teeth, but you must still take good care of them to keep them healthy. Over time, oral bacteria can erode enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable to cavities and other dental concerns. Once enamel deteriorates, it will not regenerate, so you should preserve your dental structure for as long as possible.
This means practicing good oral hygiene. Dental patients of any age should brush their teeth at least twice per day and floss daily. Help your child with their oral hygiene regimen to encourage healthy habits that can continue into adulthood. Learn more about preventive care for both primary and permanent teeth when you contact your dentist.