The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is gradual and depends on individual factors, but being aware of each step prevents problems.
Baby teeth begin to form in the third week of intrauterine life, so that when the child is born, he already has the germs of the 20 temporary or “milk” teeth and the differentiated cells that will give rise to the 32 definitive teeth.
From three to six years, it is important that children follow a varied diet and chew food well so that the change from temporary to definitive teeth occurs well. These have a slightly more yellowish color; hence the first teeth are called “milk”.
WHEN DO THE FINAL TEETH COME IN?
At age 6, changes begin to occur in the child’s teeth. The lower incisors begin to move, fall and the definitive ones appear.
- The first molar erupts at 6-7 years without any teeth falling out;
- the second molar erupts at 12-13 years;
- and the third molar, or wisdom tooth, at ages 18-21.
This period is called mixed dentition because there are temporary and definitive teeth.
WHEN DO BABY TEETH FALL OUT?
It will depend on how the final teeth erupt, which appear approximately:
- The lower central incisors come out at 6-7 years
- The upper central incisors, at 7-8 years
- The upper lateral incisors, at 8-9 years
- The lower lateral incisors, at 7 -8 years
- Lower canines, at 9-10 years
- Upper canines, at 11-12 years
- The first premolar above 10-11 years
- The first lower premolar, at 10-12 years
These data are indicative and may vary depending on the development of the child, if he usually chews hard and crunchy foods (which favors change), if he has space in the mouth or if he is missing teeth (agenesis is increasingly frequent).
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FINAL TEETH COME IN BEFORE THE MILK TEETH FALL OUT?
The final teeth have a larger size, so sometimes they do not fit and come out behind the milk teeth.
This does not create any problems unless the child rubs on the tongue. It is better to wait for the tooth to fall out on its own and the tongue to push the final tooth into position.
At the same time, it happens that the molars of the 6 years or first definitive molars are beginning to erupt, which appear behind the last milk teeth, without any falling.
Sometimes this situation goes unnoticed by both parents and children, but the gum can become inflamed and the new tooth can damage the cusp of the other jaw with its cusp. It is important to detect it in case children do not chew properly, in addition to ruling out that there may be cavities between the milk molars.
