Wisdom tooth: photo, differences from other teeth. What kind of baby teeth do children have, do they have roots, how can they be distinguished from permanent units? How to distinguish a baby tooth

The process of dental formation in humans goes through two main stages. The first is the eruption of baby teeth, and the second is their replacement with permanent ones (for more details, see the article: timing and schedule for the eruption of permanent teeth in children). Usually both periods are associated with many associated unpleasant symptoms. In addition to painful sensations, teething can cause poor sleep and appetite, moodiness, fever, and in some cases even vomiting and diarrhea. Parents should have information about the timing, symptoms, rules of oral care at these stages and all the nuances of teething and changing teeth in order to alleviate the child’s condition.

How many teeth should a child have?

It is a well-known fact that an adult’s smile consists of 32 teeth. However, how many of them are there in children? By the end of the process of eruption of all primary teeth, which ends approximately at the age of 2 to 2.5 years, the child should have 20 dental units, which include:

eight incisors, four each in the lower and upper rows;
four fangs;
eight molars.

There is a standard diagram for the eruption of baby teeth in children, which shows the average time and sequence of their appearance (see also: how teeth erupt in children: symptoms with photos). It is presented in the table below:

However, there are cases when the process of teeth formation in a child is disrupted:

It is possible that the child will not have 20 milk teeth, but more or less. In the first case, the extra ones look like an awl and grow to the side. In the second, the lack of dental units is due to the death of their rudiments during gestation.

Structure and features of eruption of baby teeth

The first temporary human teeth were called milk teeth by the healer, physician and philosopher of Ancient Greece, Hippocrates, known in history as the father of medicine. In his opinion, their development is due to breast milk, which children receive at the beginning of their lives, as it is rich in calcium, necessary for the growth of bone tissue.

Milk teeth and their roots have their own differences and structural features. In many ways, their condition is related to the child’s adequate nutrition.

Resembling permanent radical units in structure and shape, they do not have the same strength, and their enamel is much thinner. They are also characterized by:

small crown size;
slightly diverging roots, between which are located the rudiments of future permanent teeth;
large volume of pulp;
large width of root canals.

As for roots and nerves, contrary to the myth about their absence, milk teeth have the same number of them as molars (we recommend reading: how many roots are there in a person’s teeth?). During the period of eruption of the first teeth, the roots also grow, stopping growth at the end of this process. Further, when baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones, the roots are reabsorbed.

In general, the development of primary, or replacement, teeth is divided into 5 stages:

The sequence of changing teeth in a child

The second important stage is the replacement of primary teeth with permanent ones. In most cases, the latter appear after the temporary ones drop out. Below is a standard diagram of how teeth change, with time intervals and sequence of loss:

According to statistics, the lower teeth usually fall out first, followed by the upper teeth. According to the scheme, the replacement of baby teeth occurs in the same sequence as their appearance.

Differences between permanent molars and baby teeth

Despite the fact that temporary and permanent teeth have the same structure, there are a number of signs that will help you understand how to distinguish a baby tooth from a molar. You can determine which tooth is present in the oral cavity by:

Temporary and permanent teeth also differ in what numbers are used to designate them in the dental formula (see also: numerical designation of teeth in dentistry and their location diagram). For dairy animals these are Roman numerals, for example, I and II are incisors, III are canines, IV and V are molars, and for molars they are Arabic: 1 and 2 are incisors, 3 are canines, 4 and 5 are premolars, 6,7 and 8 - molars. There are people who do not have eights, better known as wisdom teeth.

Is it possible to tell by external signs whether a tooth is permanent or baby?

To find out which class a tooth belongs to, you do not need to be an experienced dentist and know everything about the structure of the jaw and what the root system and periodontal itself look like. External signs that can be seen even in the photo will help you distinguish a baby tooth from a molar tooth. They include:

Size. Firstly, baby teeth are smaller than molars in general. Secondly, the permanent ones are more elongated, that is, they are smaller in width than the temporary ones.
Form. The cusps that are present on baby teeth are smooth, while on molars they are jagged, called mamelon.
Enamel color. As mentioned earlier, the thin and rich enamel of baby teeth is distinguished by its whiteness, while in primary teeth it is characterized by a yellowish color.

Possible dental pathologies in children

Children's teeth are still weak and therefore more susceptible to various dental diseases, neglect of treatment of which can become a serious complication in the future. This also applies to baby teeth, despite the fact that they are about to be replaced.

The most common dental disease in children is caries, which can be diagnosed as early as 2-3 years. If teeth begin to decay at such an early age, this can cause serious complications, such as pathologies of jaw development and displacement of molars. In addition, the buds of permanent teeth can also become infected.

After a change, teeth may grow crooked, even if the milk teeth were straight. Most often, the reason lies in the slow growth of the jaw itself. As a result, the teeth do not have enough space, and they begin to protrude, warp and grow above others. The habit of sucking a finger or other objects can also contribute to this.

There is also a risk of growth of so-called shark teeth. This phenomenon is observed when the permanent ones have already begun to erupt, and the milk ones have not yet fallen out in their place. The situation is considered especially serious if there are not one, but several such teeth growing in the back row. In this case, you cannot do without the help of an orthodontist.

It also happens the other way around - the time has come to replace teeth with permanent ones, but they do not grow. This is explained either by a physiological delay associated with heredity, or by edentia - the absence of the rudiments of molar dental units.

Teething is a complex process that causes children and their parents a lot of trouble and anxiety. Some people experience fever, inflammation, and nasal congestion when they erupt, while others tolerate the change of baby teeth without any special symptoms.

Many parents are concerned about the question of how to distinguish a baby tooth from a molar, and in what period this can happen.

Almost all children begin to erupt baby teeth at six months, which over time are replaced by molars. The replacement process is characterized by a number of specific features. And in order for the molars, which will serve a person well throughout his life, to remain healthy, even, and beautiful, parents need to monitor the oral cavity during the shift.

It is advisable to seek help from dentists and orthodontists to understand the timeliness of teeth change events and the correctness of their growth. And, if you have information that will help you determine a baby tooth or a molar, you can solve some issues yourself.

In children, the first milk teeth begin to erupt at 6 months.

The formation of baby teeth is observed in a child in the first trimester of the mother’s pregnancy, which requires special attention in the diet of women. But the appearance of baby teeth, of course, is noted after birth, closer to 6 months of the baby.

The period is characterized by the first movements that the growing baby makes. During teething, babies often experience fever and swelling of the gums. By the age of two, many children have almost all their milk teeth, different in size, shape, and they also have a unique bluish tint. This factor distinguishes them from the indigenous units, which are a shade of yellowish-gray.

Milk teeth are usually actively replaced by molars by the age of 6. But you should take care of your teeth at any stage of their development, including monitoring nutrition, hygiene, and making regular visits to dentists to ensure the formation of your bite. Milk teeth are also susceptible to various dental diseases, such as pulpitis and caries, which need to be treated.

The difference between permanent teeth and milk teeth has such characteristic features as:

the dental crown is determined by different sizes, in particular, the shape of the baby tooth has a large roundness, and in the place of the cervical part there is an enamel roller;
baby teeth have a bluish tint due to the low mineralization of dentin and enamel, as well as their smaller thickness. Permanent teeth have a yellowish tint;
the crown of the permanent unit has an inclination towards the area of the lip and cheeks, and the milk ones grow in a vertical position;
the difference in external characteristics can also be determined by the serial number of the dental arch, where the starting point is from the midline, as:

Milk teeth, being temporary, fall out gradually and are replaced by permanent ones. The process occurs with the growth of roots, which push baby teeth out of the dental canals.

Of particular importance are special cellular structures that can destroy temporary roots that lose adhesion and strength in the jaw. If they cannot fall out on their own, they can be removed using dental instruments.

It should be noted that when asked whether all baby teeth are replaced by molars, the answer can be ambiguous. It takes a long time for primary teeth to fall out. And if the period exceeds six months, it is better to visit the dental office for an examination and identification of problems.

At the age of six, the child is just beginning to develop his first molars. units - molars in the amount of 6 pieces per jaw. The upper ones are distinguished by their large size and high strength, since the root system consists of three roots diverging in different directions.

Due to this feature, they are characterized by resistance to loads and reliable fastening. To quickly determine and get an answer to the question of how to recognize a molar or baby tooth, you can count the number.

An adult has 32 strong molars, unlike dairy. In treatment, milk can easily be manipulated by a dentist. With useful information, parents can provide their children with a healthy, beautiful smile.

The need for radiography

If certain difficulties arise and parents do not know how to understand a baby or molar tooth, an x-ray can be taken. With its help, you can quickly determine the type of dental unit in the oral cavity.

When the size or shape of the roots have large discrepancies, then it can be assumed that there is a permanent rudiment in the root. Physiological tooth change may occur with delay, and therefore you should know how to cope, determine the reasons for the delay, the condition of the roots.

In the absence of a permanent rudiment, it is important to preserve the baby tooth and monitor the condition of its root. In case of rapid resorption, it is recommended to prepare for prosthetics.

Panoramic photography in pediatric dentistry

But when a molar is detected on an x-ray and the baby tooth does not fall out, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist for advice.

Based on the image, the specialist will determine the thickness of the bone, the angle of inclination in relation to closely spaced teeth. With the correct placement of the molar and removal of the milk, you can count on independent eruption.

Complications of the changeover process

There are cases where baby teeth have not fallen out but the molars are already growing. At the same time, children often experience pain and discomfort in the oral cavity, which requires visiting a dentist. If you seek help from specialists in such situations in time, you can avoid curvature and improper growth of new teeth.

The main, important function of permanent teeth in the human mouth is to crush food, and therefore their appearance should be treated carefully. It is necessary to constantly perform hygiene procedures, which will preserve their basic functions and integrity. Otherwise, the intervention of dentists and other doctors will be regularly required.

Spontaneous loss of milk units can occur painlessly in many children. But heavy hemorrhages in the areas of prolapse cannot be ruled out. In situations where the baby tooth has fallen out a long time ago, and the molar tooth does not appear in its place, the help of doctors will be required.

Treatment will likely be required, as inflammation or complications may occur. Incorrect growth is also considered a nuisance, which subsequently affects the malocclusion.

Impaired development and eruption of teeth

But it is worth taking into account such a factor as a change in bite is considered a natural phenomenon, and if there are no pathologies or unpleasant symptoms, there is no need to worry. But if the child’s temperature rises or irritability appears during the process of changing the bite, you should contact dentists for help and solve the problems that have arisen immediately.

Proper care ensuring normal development

The eruption of the first permanent teeth requires special care supervision from parents. Initially, the enamel of the root unit does not have sufficient mineralization, which can provoke the development of caries. During this period, it is important to brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is advisable that the child take care of the oral cavity after each meal, rinsing with clean water.

During the period of loss of baby teeth, it is better to exclude or reduce the intake of sweets or other harmful foods.

Be sure to visit the dentist at this time for a consultation and examination of proper development. During this period, there is an increase in the sensitivity of the enamel, which will require eating foods high in calcium. The child also needs a vitamin-mineral complex, which will be prescribed by the doctor at the appointment.

If your teeth grow crooked or incorrectly, you may need help from an orthodontist.. But you should also pay attention to the child’s bad habits, such as sucking the tongue, fingers, and other objects, and try to eliminate them.

If a tooth becomes noticeably loose, it is necessary to wait until it falls out naturally, which will be less painful for the child than having it pulled out at the dentist’s office. If inflammation is observed, then the help of specialists is urgently required.

When baby teeth fall out, bleeding may occur due to rupture of blood vessels. It is enough to apply a gauze swab to the wound for a while and the bleeding will stop in a few minutes. If bleeding lasts more than ten minutes, it is better to call a doctor and get tested over time.

In conclusion, it should be noted that problems that arise with the process of changing teeth can be eliminated either independently or by contacting a doctor. Their final formation occurs in a person by the age of 17.

It is advisable to control the process of loss and exclude solid foods from the child’s diet at this time. The oral cavity can only be rinsed with saline solution to prevent pain and infection in fresh wounds.

Parents whose children are 6 years old need to know how to distinguish a baby tooth from a molar. A change in bite is a natural process in the body; every child goes through this stage as they grow up. But not everyone experiences a change without complications, so in order to control the process and avoid serious problems, you need to understand the difference between primary molars and primary molars. To do this, you need to understand the nature of both.

Baby teeth form in the baby's gums while they are still in the womb. They erupt much later - starting at the age of 6 months. Often the appearance of the first elements of the future jaw is associated with certain physical activity of the child, the first attempts to stand up and walk. The appearance of the first incisors can cause discomfort to the child, sometimes the temperature rises or the gums become inflamed.

The replacement of the bite occurs gradually and is completed by approximately 14 years. The exception is the third molars, the very last in the row, or, as they are also called, “wisdom teeth.” They grow into adults from 17 to 21 years of age and beyond. Often such molars remain under the surface of the gum and are not visible on the surface. During the period of active bite replacement, it is difficult for parents to remember which element of the first 20 has changed and which has not yet changed. How to determine whether a baby molar or a molar is a molar? The distinctive features of primary and permanent molars will help.

The visual differences between baby teeth and permanent teeth are as follows:

permanent molars have an angle of inclination relative to the gum, their tops should be directed towards the cheeks, temporary molars stand straight in the gum;
the permanent elements of the jaw have branched and deep roots, while the temporary ones have shallow and small roots;
the milk has a thickening at the point of contact with the gum;
the temporary crown has a more round shape;
the primary molar has a blue tint due to the small thickness of the enamel, the permanent molar has a yellowish color;
the neck of the molar is darker than the crown;
The surfaces of permanent molars are distinguished by the fact that, as a rule, they contain 4 tubercles necessary for successful chewing of food.

If it is not possible to visually determine the type of tooth, it is recommended to take an X-ray of the jaw. For example, a permanent upper molar will have a triple root that extends deep into the periosteum.

In the area of the root of the primary incisor, during the replacement period, the rudiment of the molar will be visible. The root will be thinned and small. The appearance of the permanent element of the jaw may be delayed, but in this case the baby tooth can still be easily identified by the characteristics of the root. It is not recommended to pull out a baby tooth if there is no permanent element in the gum; you need to maintain it in a healthy condition. Conversely, if a permanent element has already formed in the jaw, but the temporary one does not fall out, removal may be necessary.

A situation is possible when a baby molar falls out, but the permanent molar does not come out for several months. In this case, the molars, under pressure from each other and from the process of chewing food, begin to move to the free space. The bite changes, the free space may disappear completely, and there will be no room left for the growing molar and it will also grow in the wrong place. The problem can be solved with the help of prosthetics.

Permanent bite

In the permanent dentition of an adult there are 32 elements, and each of them is very firmly held in the gum and periosteum thanks to roots diverging in different directions. Thanks to this structure of the roots, molars are able to withstand significant loads during chewing. Caries in the enamel of a permanent molar will develop more slowly than in a primary molar. But even in the dentist’s office it will take much more time to drill a hole and put a filling. It should be noted that when a molar has just emerged, its enamel is thin, and only over time does it thicken. Therefore, during the teething period, you need to especially carefully monitor oral hygiene.

The difference between baby teeth and permanent teeth comes down to the fact that they perform their functions temporarily. Therefore, temporary occlusion is more vulnerable to diseases and requires a responsible attitude and careful care. It must be remembered that the beauty of a smile in adulthood will largely depend on the health of the primary occlusion and the correct process of its change.

In babies, temporary teeth begin to grow at 6 months; by the age of two, their bite has already formed. From the age of 6 they are replaced by permanent dental units, and this process is completely completed by the age of 14. During this period, the bite is considered to be replaceable, since temporary and permanent incisors are present in the oral cavity at the same time. Parents should know how to distinguish a baby tooth from a molar on their own. In difficult situations, it is better to take x-rays to avoid problems.

Features of baby teeth

Temporary dental units, as a rule, fully grow in a child before 3 years of age. At the same time, the very first teeth begin to appear in many babies at six months. First, the incisor on the baby’s lower jaw begins to grow, and then the rest come out. In total, children have 20 temporary teeth. After the age of 6, the time will come for the appearance of the first molars and central incisors.

Permanent teeth

When a change from a temporary bite to a permanent one occurs, the baby grows 12 teeth. There are 6 teeth on each jaw. The upper units are stronger than the lower ones. They have 3 roots diverging to the sides, in some cases 4.

Permanent molars, canines and incisors erupt when baby teeth fall out. True, sometimes the temporary tooth is not even loose yet, but the permanent one already wants to take its place. Because of this, the child feels discomfort and pain in the oral cavity. Of course, in such a situation, it is better to consult a dentist to prevent the curvature of the molar.

In girls, the replacement of temporary teeth with molars occurs faster than in boys. But a permanent bite is fully formed in both of them, usually by the age of 12.

How to understand that your baby will soon grow permanent teeth?

Before distinguishing a baby tooth from a molar in a child, it is necessary to find out exactly when the permanent units begin to emerge. There are several signs that indicate the imminent appearance of molars, incisors and canines:

Unsteadiness of baby teeth occurs because the temporary root is gradually reabsorbed, and as a result, it can no longer hold securely in the tissues of the jaw.
Formation of interdental gaps in mixed dentition. The baby's jaw is constantly growing, so there is more room for the teeth.
Sometimes there is redness and slight swelling on the gum where the molar should grow. And sometimes even a small cyst forms with clear liquid inside.
The baby tooth has already fallen out, which means that the permanent one has pushed it out of the gums and is about to grow back on its own.

Oral hygiene during the period of bite change

Both the baby tooth and the molar (their difference, however, is obvious) require regular care. You must adhere to certain rules:

After each snack, rinse your mouth with water.
Use a soft brush to clean gums and teeth. It is recommended to carry out this procedure in the morning and evening.
If problems arise, do not put off visiting the dentist.
Visit the dentist every six months for a preventive examination.

When a baby experiences pain during the eruption of permanent teeth, a cooling and anesthetic agent, for example, Kalgel gel, should be used to ease them. Once applied, this medication will relieve irritating symptoms.

How to distinguish a molar from a baby tooth?

The photo below allows you to see the difference between temporary and permanent incisors, canines, and molars. Molars are larger in size than primary teeth. Indeed, during the period of the appearance of temporary units, the child’s jaw is smaller than when the permanent ones erupt.

Baby teeth have a more rounded shape because the baby does not have to chew as much solid food. By the way, this is why among the temporary units there are no wisdom teeth, as well as third and second molars.

And here are a few more tips on how to distinguish a baby tooth from a permanent one at home, if the above examples did not help you figure it out. Primary canines and incisors usually grow vertically relative to the jaw, and permanent ones, as a rule, are inclined towards the lips and cheeks. The crowns of molars are 1.5-2 times wider than those of baby teeth.

In addition, temporary teeth differ from permanent incisors in color. The baby's first incisors are white with a slight bluish tint, and the molars have a yellowish-grayish color. In addition, the neck of a permanent tooth is darker than that of a temporary one. Primary molars have two cusps on the surface for chewing, while permanent molars have four.

In addition, primary incisors have thin enamel, while primary incisors, on the contrary, have hard enamel. For this reason, temporary teeth are so easy to drill and other manipulations performed by the dentist during treatment.

Another difference between baby teeth and molars is their number. Adults have 32 units, while children have only 20 temporary ones. The dental roots of the permanent dentition diverge and bend, thereby ensuring a strong fixation with the jaw.

Dentist help with tooth loss

Quite often, changing the bite is painless. During the loss of temporary teeth, in many cases there is no discomfort. However, sometimes the baby, when cutting through the root unit, is bothered by such unpleasant symptoms as:

severe pain;
high body temperature;
increased sensitivity of enamel.

If these unpleasant sensations occur, you should consult a specialist. Parents should also be wary if the child experiences heavy hemorrhage at the site of a recently fallen temporary tooth.

It is necessary to visit a dental clinic if a molar does not appear for a long time after a baby tooth falls out. Treatment may be needed.

Before distinguishing a baby tooth from a molar, you need to check whether the child is bothered by pain in the gum area. Sometimes, when a permanent bite is formed, inflammatory processes and other complications occur, causing severe discomfort to the baby. If a molar grows abnormally, you should consult a doctor, as this may have a negative impact on your bite in the future.

How to distinguish a baby tooth from a molar using radiography?

If it is difficult to understand whether the child’s incisor is temporary or permanent, it is better to take an x-ray. Such a study will help decide how to properly treat this dental unit. X-ray shows:

Are there tooth germs under the primary canines and incisors?
The location of the growing permanent tooth, which allows you to determine its correct position after eruption.
The length of the roots, which is shorter in primary teeth than in molars.

Even in the first year of life, babies begin to acquire baby teeth, which help chew food. Between the ages of 12 and 13, most teenagers have already replaced all their baby teeth with molars. How to determine: a milk tooth or a molar?

The main differences between baby teeth and molars

In order for permanent teeth to be healthy and strong, you need to ensure timely removal of milk teeth. It is not easy to determine the main differences between these two types of teeth, but it can still be done. There are a number of external distinctive characteristics for both primary and molar teeth.

Milk teeth are different:

significantly smaller in size;
absence of volumetric tubercles on the surface;
smaller height;
at their base they have more convex enamel thickenings.

It is also worth noting that the number of primary teeth is significantly less than primary teeth. Nature has awarded a child from 1 to 6-7 years old with 20 milk teeth, but molars can be counted 29-32.

If you don’t know how to identify a baby tooth, then you should look at its color. Milk teeth have a distinct whitish-blue tint. The molars have a yellowish tint.

Permanent teeth are covered with much better enamel and are stronger. We can conclude that baby teeth are more susceptible to caries; they have a smaller root. Temporary teeth in children fall out on their own, but permanent teeth can only be removed with the help of a doctor.

Knowing how to determine whether a baby tooth is a molar or a molar, you can identify problems in time and consult a doctor in a timely manner

You should visit the dentist at least once every six months. It is necessary to ensure the timely removal of baby teeth in a child. If you leave this issue unchecked, you can end up with an incorrectly formed bite and crooked teeth that will need to be straightened with braces.

You should not try to remove a baby tooth yourself, even if it is loose. Leave this to the professionals; the doctor will remove the tooth with less pain and with minimal risk of inflammation of the socket.

We must not forget about proper oral care. You need to brush your teeth twice a day. If the child is still small, then parents should help brush their teeth. The toothbrush should be as soft as possible, and the toothpaste should be selected specifically for children, without unnecessary dyes and fillers.

Taking care of your child's dental health is the responsibility of every parent. A healthy and beautiful smile is the result of parental control and care.