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Tooth care

32 basic facts about teeth and gums - Q9 to Q13

Your child & its teeth

With proper and professional care, your child could keep its permanent teeth all its life as Nature intended. You will find most of the questions about your child's teeth and dental care answered here.

9. What are the types of teeth?

There are two types of teeth: the primary, often called 'baby' or 'milk' teeth, and the permanent teeth. There are 20 primary and 32 permanent teeth. In some persons, one or more of these teeth may be absent, or there may be one or more extra, or supernumerary, teeth.



10. When do the primary and permanent teeth appear in the mouth?

The approximate ages at which the primary and permanent teeth appear are shown in the illustrations. Some children's teeth appear much earlier and some much later than the average appearance dates given here.

11. Are children always ill when they are teething?

Not necessarily. But sometimes teething may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, fever and pain. In case of an illness associated with teething, consult your doctor.

12. Should gums be lanced to help teeth come out?

Usually, it is not advisable. Gums that have been lanced often heal before the tooth comes through, and then it becomes difficult for the tooth to come up because scar tissue is usually tougher than normal tissue. In some cases, the dentist may advise that the tissue overlaying an unerupted tooth be removed completely.

13. Why is it important to keep the primary teeth and to have them filled if cavities develop?

The primary teeth should be given the best of care because they were designed by Nature to assist in chewing food, contribute to facial development and expression, preserve the space for incoming permanent teeth and help in better speech habits. However, if the defective tooth cannot be treated and filled properly, it should be extracted.


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