Primary and Permanent Teeth

We have two sets of teeth during our transition from infancy to adulthood. The first set act as placeholders for babies to learn how to chew and speak. As their jaws get bigger, they are replaced with a second permanent set.

Primary teeth, otherwise known as baby or milk teeth, are our first smaller set. Babies will have 20 primary teeth in total with some spacing between them. Compared to adult teeth, baby teeth are smaller to fit within the smaller jaws of babies. They have thinner enamel and appear whiter.

By 12 months old, babies have all their upper and lower central incisors. The incisors help them cut food. These front teeth are the first to appear.

By 2 years old, most babies will have their lateral incisors, canines and first molars. Canines are sharp, and help them grip and tear food.

By 3 years, they will get their second molars, completing their primary set of teeth.

Primary Dentition Morphology

Timing for primary dentition

As children grow, their jaws expand and the small primary teeth are no longer as useful. As a result, the permanent teeth begins to develop under the gums. Meanwhile, a process of exfoliation takes place for primary teeth. The roots of primary teeth are resorbed away, leading them loosen from their sockets. This may feel uncomfortable initially. However, overtime, it will fall out. Exfoliation usually begins at 6 years old and is complete by 12 years old.

The shedding of primary teeth makes room for the permanent teeth to erupt. By the age of 21, all permanent teeth have erupted.

Compared to the primary dentition, the permanent dentition consists of a larger number of teeth - 28 in total. For most people, they may also grow wisdom teeth, adding to a grant total of 32 teeth. The permanent teeth are larger, with longer roots and have thicker enamel to protect itself against the harsher oral environment.

Permanent Dentition Morphology

Timing for Permanent Dentition

Caring for your child's teeth - Advice from the Australian Dental Association

Tips for babies

What should I use to take care of my baby's teeth?

Australian Dental Association recommends cleaning your baby's teeth from the time they first appear, which is around 6 - 12 months of age.

This can be done with a soft, damp cloth, or a really soft toothbrush.

Toothpaste is not recommended before 18 months of age, unless otherwise recommended by the dentist.

Ideally, babies should be taken to see the dentist before their first birthday.

How can I deal with the teething?

Baby teeth usually appear between 6 - 12 months of age. Pressure of the teeth and gums from chewing may help relieve discomfort.

Tender gums can be relieved with chilled (but not frozen) teeth rings, washcloths, or dummies, or gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger.

How can I guard against early decay?

Australian Dental Association recommends only tap water in bottles and sippy cups except at meal/ feed times. Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula or juice in their mouth, can lead to premature tooth decay. Exposure to surgary drinks and foods can also lead to premature tooth decay.

Should I wiggle the loose baby tooth?

Yes. It is recommended that for loose teeth to wash your hands and then wiggle the tooth a little bit everyday. Baby teeth which fall out during the expected timeframe make room for the adult teeth to come through?

When and how often should my child visit the dentist?

It is recommended that your child has their first dental checkup by their first birthday.

It is recommended for children to have a checkup at least every six to 12 months.

This helps to identify:

• identify signs and risks of tooth decay

• check oral hygiene and diet

• signs of tooth wear

• health of teeth, lips, cheek and gums

• growth and alignment of the teeth and jaws and problems with the bite

• Childhood habits such as dummy sucking or thumb sucking during childhood

Why is it important to get my child's teeth checked?

Tooth decay and infection can cause pain, infection, difficulties with eating and speech, and can lead to crowing of the adult teeth. Extensive tooth decay or dental infections may require treatment under hospital.

One in three Australian children are said to experience tooth decay by 6 years of age.

Poor oral health can lead to problems down the track with permanent dentition.

Tips for toddlers

Do I need to help my child to brush?

Help your child to brush their teeth until they are eight years old.

Make sure this is done twice a day for two minutes, after breakfast and before bed.

From 18 months, use a pea size amount of low - fluoride toothpaste on a soft children's tooth brush.

• Brush every tooth all the way to the gums

• Brush every surface of every tooth

• Use a gentle, circular motion to brush the outside surfaces (the ones that show when you smile) and the inside ones (the ones facing the inside of the mouth)

• Gently scrub the chewing surfaces of the top and bottom teeth

• Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste

• Don't rinse the mouth after brushing

• Don't let your child eat or lick toothpaste from the tube

What should I do if they hate brushing their teeth?

• Let your child watch you brushing your teeth as often as possible - children love to copy grownups!

• Try giving your child their own toothbrush to hold while you are cleaning their teeth

• Choose a song to play while you are brushing their teeth

• Let them watch a brushing app while you brush - there are lots to choose from

• Always buy toothpaste with the correct age range for your child, unless otherwise directed by the dental practitioner. Talk to your dentist about using adult - strength toothpaste if you don't have fluoridates tap water, or you're on tap water.

What are some dietary advice?

Make tap water your child's usual drink.

In almost all of NSW and all of ACT, it contains fluoride to protect against tooth decay.

Limit snacks to two help choices per day of foods such as fresh fruit, vegetable sticks and low- fat cheese.

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The CDBS is a Medicare - funded dental program for children whose famileies freceive Family Tax Benefit Part A or other eligible benefits. Eligible children are entitle to up to $1158 of dental treatment over two calendar years for a range of services.

• These services include examinations, cleaning, x - rays, fillings, fissure sealants, extractions and root canal therapy.

• The CDBS does not cover orthodontics or cosmetic dental treatment.