Joy Lunan DDS News

Deciduous Teeth

Deciduous teeth are baby teeth. We're born with two full sets of teeth

and this first set is also called primary, milk or lacteal dentition. These

teeth begin to erupt anytime after 6 months of age, which is commonly

referred to as "teething." Teeth normally erupt in pairs and the first that

normally come in are the lower central incisors. By the time your child

is 2, he or she should have a full set of deciduous teeth!

Why Two Sets?

As an infant, our mouths are too small for a full set of permanent teeth,

so we require deciduous teeth until our jaw is able to sustain the

permanent set. Baby teeth are essential in the alignment, spacing and

occlusion of primary teeth. They prepare the adult jaw for their

permanent fellows.

As the adult teeth form, special cells called odontoclasts absorb the

roots of the baby teeth, so that when your adult teeth start to emerge

from your gums the deciduous teeth have no roots, making them

loose and able to easily fall out.

Caring for Deciduous Teeth

A gross misconception about baby teeth is that since they will

eventually be replaced by primary teeth, there's no reason to take care

of them. But cavities are a very real cause for concern -- even for

deciduous teeth. Children who suffer from dental cavities in their baby

teeth are more prone to cavities in their permanent teeth. And every

dentist will agree that oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. So it is

essential that you take excellent dental care of your little ones' baby

teeth, as they won't be able to do so themselves for the first handful of

years.

Good oral hygiene begins at teething. Simply rubbing your infant's gums

with a wet washcloth will begin to develop habits that he or she will

require for life. Once the first teeth erupt, begin brushing them twice a

day with a rice sized amount of infant safe toothpast. Once more

teeth fill in, you can begin flossing, too.

Deciduous Tooth Dental Cavities

Sometimes your toddler will get a dental cavity in one of the baby teeth.

In that case, your regular pediatric dentist will take X-rays and fill any

dental cavity so that tooth decay does not go unchecked and the primary

tooth can emerge in the best condition possible.

Like all teeth, deciduous teeth must be cared for properly so that you

have a healthy mouth and healthy body. It's up to parents to ensure

that their child develops healthy deciduous teeth and good oral hygiene.

If you need help maintaining your child's oral health, give us a call;

our office is glad to help. (203)598-7920