Baby teeth are a fundamental part of children's development, playing a crucial role in feeding, speech and the development of dental structure. Although it is a common issue and one that we have all gone through, it is normal not to know very well what they are or what executive functions they perform. From their appearance to their eventual replacement by permanent teeth, understanding the key aspects of baby teeth helps to better navigate the teething and then replacement stage. In this post, we will tell you everything you need to know about baby teeth in children, from their development to care and common problems that may arise.

What are baby teeth?

Baby teeth, also known as temporary teeth or primary teeth, are the first sets of teeth to appear in a child's mouth. Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth are fewer, 20 to be exact, they are smaller and tend to also be whiter and more translucent.

At what age do baby teeth come in?

Baby teeth usually begin to emerge in a baby's mouth around 6 months of age, but it could vary greatly from one children to another. Some babies will start developing teeth a little earlier, around 4 months, while others may be delayed and start developing teeth later, even up to 12 months or older.

How many baby teeth does a child have?

A child typically has a total of 20 baby teeth which are made up of 10 teeth on the top and 10 on the bottom.

What symptoms does the eruption of baby teeth have?

During the teething process, it is common for babies to experience symptoms such as:

• Irritability: Due to the discomfort and pain associated with teething.
• Excessive drooling: During the teething process, babies tend to salivate more than usual.
• Swollen and sensitive gums: The gums usually look swollen and highly sensitive children to the touch, causing discomfort and pain.
• Biting and sucking on objects: Babies often seek relief by biting and sucking on objects to help relieve pressure on their gums.
• Sleep problems: The discomfort associated with tooth eruption almost always affects a sleep regression in babies, making it difficult to fall asleep or waking up more frequently during the night.
• Changes in eating habits: Some babies may show a decreased appetite or find themselves more picky eaters during teething.

When do a child's baby teeth fall out?

The process of losing baby teeth occurs because the permanent teeth begin to push against them and usually begins at 5 or 6 years of age. In isolated cases it can be delayed between one to two years, but it should never be delayed more than that.

What is the order in which baby teeth fall out?

Typically, the process of changing teeth begins with the loss of the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. Then the side teeth and molars, which fall out and are gradually replaced by the corresponding permanent teeth.

This process of changing teeth is usually completed by around 12 years of age, although again, it can vary from child to child.

When to worry if a baby tooth doesn't fall out?

As we have already said, every child is different and you should not be alarmed if your child has not yet lost all of their baby teeth, unless:

• The permanent tooth is emerging, but the baby tooth has not yet fallen out: This can cause dental alignment problems, so it is advisable to extract it.
• The baby tooth remains solidly in place after the permanent tooth has completely emerged: In cases like this, it is advisable to visit a dentist to check if there is any problem or if it is necessary to extract the tooth.
• Pain, swelling, or redness around the baby tooth: These symptoms could indicate an infection or another dental condition that needs treatment.

What to eat when a baby tooth falls out?

When a child loses a baby tooth, it is important to offer soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid irritating the area where the tooth fell out and to facilitate healing. Here are some ideas:

• Soft yogurt: Yogurt is soft, easy to eat, easy to transport, and comes in many flavors.
• Fruit puree: Fruits such as banana, apple and pear that are already soft.
• Soups and broths: Warm soups and broths are nutritious and comforting, especially if the child is experiencing discomfort after a tooth fell out.
• Pureed vegetables: Vegetables cooked and then mashed or pureed are an excellent and very nutritious option.
• Shakes or smoothies: Shakes or smoothies made with fruits, vegetables and yogurt are easy to drink and also provide very good nutrition.
• Ice Cream: Ice cream is ideal to consume when there is inflammation, but not much irritability, and children love it.
• Gelatin: Gelatin is in great demand among children, so this would be a good opportunity to pamper him with different jellies.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs or hard-boiled eggs are excellent sources of protein and good fat to give your child and they are very easy to chew.

What happens if the loss of baby teeth is premature?

It is normal to be worried if you see that your child is beginning to lose their baby teeth while they are still very young. But, it is nothing catastrophic, what could happen is:

1. Dental alignment: The premature loss of a baby tooth could affect the alignment of permanent teeth that have not yet emerged, causing malocclusion (wrong bite) or dental crowding.
2. Speech and chewing problems: The premature loss of baby teeth could affect the child's ability to speak correctly and chew food properly.
3. Self-esteem problems: Children who lose baby teeth prematurely may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance once they are older.

If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist to evaluate the situation and discuss treatment options, if necessary.

Tips to care for a child's baby teeth

Taking care of a child's baby teeth is essential to establishing good oral hygiene habits and ensuring a healthy smile throughout their life. To achieve this you can follow these tips:

Start early

From the moment the first baby teeth appear, around 6 months of age, start caring for the baby's mouth, first using a wet gauze or baby toothbrush to gently clean the teeth and gums after each meal. Then as the child grows, you can use a regular brush.

Regular brushing

Teach your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Use a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Supervision

Monitor your child's brushing to make sure he or she is doing the process properly and completely. Young children may need help or supervision until they develop enough dexterity to brush properly.

Promote good eating habits

Limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as it has been shown that they contribute to the formation of dental cavities. Opt for healthy, balanced foods that are beneficial for your teeth and overall health.

Regular visits to the dentist

Schedule regular visits to the pediatric dentist, starting around the child's first year of age. The dentist can perform routine exams, cleanings, and provide guidance on personalized oral care for your child.

Remember that every time you go to the dentist, if there is a lot of sun you should take care of your eyesight with some sunglasses for children of the brand Kiddus

Avoid prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking

Prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking affects tooth alignment and bone structure. Work on limiting or eliminating these habits as the child grows.

Promote the use of straws

When your child drinks liquids other than water, such as juices or sugary drinks, use straws to reduce the exposure of sugar to the teeth.

Reward and praise

Praise and reward your child for maintaining good oral hygiene habits. This may include verbal praise, stickers, or small rewards to encourage continued practice of good dental care.

Conclusion

In short, baby teeth, although temporary, play a vital role in children's dental health and development. From their appearance in infancy to their replacement by permanent teeth during childhood, taking proper care of baby teeth is essential to ensuring a solid foundation for a healthy smile in the future. That is to say that although baby teeth are going to fall out, we must teach our children good habits and the importance of oral health. If your child is starting to change his teeth, don't forget to pamper him and take into consideration that he may be upset.