The maintenance and the health of the primary teeth is very important. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, which left untreated, can cause problems that affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for chewing, eating, providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position. They also help in normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and aid in a child’s self-esteem. Your child could start losing the front teeth as early as 5, but the back teeth aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
Eruption Of Your Child’s Teeth
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. A mother’s diet while she is pregnant is important. Baby teeth can start erupting as early as 4 months. The lower front teeth are usually first, followed closely by the upper front teeth. Children have 20 primary teeth once they are finished erupting, which can be as late as age 3.
Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 5-6, starting with the first molars and lower front teeth. The first molars, also known as 6 year molars, will erupt in the back of his or her mouth, behind the last primary molar. The tooth shedding process continues until approximately age 12. Wisdom teeth are still forming after this age and can start erupting as early as 16 or may never erupt into the mouth.
Your dentist will let you know how developed your wisdom teeth are and the appropriate time for removal. Most adults have 32 total teeth once everything has finished developing and erupting. Most people elect to have their wisdom teeth removed, however.