There Are Teeth In Each Arch Of The Primary Dentition
Dentition is the development of teeth in the mouth. Primary dentition refers to the first set of teeth that emerge in a child's mouth. These teeth are also known as baby teeth or deciduous teeth. There are 20 primary teeth in total, with ten teeth in each arch of the mouth.
The Role of Primary Teeth
Primary teeth play an essential role in a child's development. They help the child to chew food, speak clearly, and they also hold the space for permanent teeth to grow into. Primary teeth begin to emerge at around six months of age and are usually all present by the age of three years old.
The Structure of Primary Teeth
Primary teeth have a similar structure to permanent teeth. They have a crown, which is the visible part of the tooth that sits above the gum line, and a root, which anchors the tooth into the jawbone. The crown and root are connected by a neck, which is the narrowest part of the tooth.
The Different Types of Primary Teeth
There are four different types of primary teeth, each with a specific function:
- Incisors - These are the front teeth that are used for biting and cutting food. There are eight incisors in total, four in each arch.
- Canines - These are the pointed teeth that are used for tearing food. There are four canines in total, two in each arch.
- Molars - These are the back teeth that are used for grinding food. There are eight molars in total, four in each arch.
- Second molars - These are the last primary teeth to emerge and are used for grinding food. There are four second molars in total, two in each arch.
The Importance of Caring for Primary Teeth
Caring for primary teeth is essential for a child's dental health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, which can cause pain and infection. Untreated tooth decay can also lead to more serious dental problems in the future, such as gum disease and tooth loss.
It is recommended that parents start brushing their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. Brushing should be done twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is also recommended that children see a dentist for their first dental check-up by the age of one year old.
When Do Primary Teeth Fall Out?
Primary teeth begin to fall out around the age of six years old. This process is called exfoliation. The roots of the primary teeth dissolve, and the teeth become loose, allowing the permanent teeth to push through the gum line.
The exfoliation process usually takes several years to complete. The first permanent teeth to emerge are the first molars, which usually appear behind the primary molars. By the age of 12 to 13 years old, most of the primary teeth will have fallen out, and the permanent teeth will have replaced them.
In Conclusion
Primary dentition is an essential part of a child's development. There are 20 primary teeth in total, with ten teeth in each arch of the mouth. Primary teeth play an important role in a child's ability to chew and speak, and they also hold the space for permanent teeth to grow into. Caring for primary teeth is essential for a child's dental health, and parents should start brushing their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. By the age of 12 to 13 years old, most of the primary teeth will have fallen out, and the permanent teeth will have replaced them.