Shortly before the age of 5, the gaps between the baby teeth widen and the row of teeth is no longer continuous. This means that the jaw has grown and is starting to make room for the permanent teeth. As permanent teeth are wider, more space is needed. The baby teeth are also fairly worn by then. So this is a completely natural process.
For many children, however, the first permanent teeth are the larger molars that appear at the end of the row of teeth. Counting from the middle of the row, between the front teeth, to the right or left, tooth number 6 is already a permanent tooth. There are 10 baby teeth in total in each jaw.
For many parents, the arrival of the first permanent tooth (or teeth) comes as a surprise, because no tooth has fallen out…
Yet the teeth that have just appeared at the end of the row are very important for the future and throughout life. From the age of 6, the eruption of the 6th teeth should be checked from time to time. When they appear, pay special attention to cleaning them.
We definitely want to see children with mixed dentition at the dentist 2 times a year, as many changes happen in their mouths in a short time.
Tooth eruption is also somewhat seasonal. It may happen that in winter, when there is little sunshine and children may have problems with calcium metabolism, no new teeth appear for a long time. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are definitely needed for the dental tissues to “mature”. When spring comes, the replacement of teeth speeds up again. We have also advised parents of children in a rapid growth phase to pay attention to their diet and to give the child extra vitamin D. All this is important for the proper development of the whole skeleton. It is also important to monitor functions and to teach parents to watch breathing, swallowing, speech and sleep.
We expect children for a check-up 2 times a year, and definitely also when a permanent tooth is pushing through the gum and the baby tooth will not come out on its own. You can then call the reception and say that you need an appointment to remove a baby tooth. We usually try to find a time as soon as possible.
Like baby teeth, permanent teeth may at first come in in a less than ideal position, but if the child visits the dentist regularly during this time, all positions can be assessed and, if necessary, the child can be referred to an orthodontist for a consultation.
You can find lots of useful information about children’s oral health at SUUKOOL.EE
And in the Health Insurance Fund’s INFORMATION LEAFLET
