Although babies appear toothless when they are born, 20 milk teeth have completed their form and have taken their place in the jawbone in a hidden way. All of these teeth are completed within the first 3 years.
In the first 6 months after birth, primarily incisors erupt, 2 below and 2 above. Although this dentition process is completed at the age of 3, the growth and development of the jaw continues. At the age of 6-7 years, the process of shedding teeth begins. This process, which continues until the age of 12, is called the mixed dentition period. This period, in which both permanent and milk teeth are present at the same time, includes an average of 6 years.
Since milk teeth stay in the mouth for a certain period of time, parents often fall into the misconception that milk teeth are unimportant. However, milk teeth need to be well taken care of. Because milk teeth provide phonation, function and aesthetics of the child. To put it more simply; milk exclusions enable the child to speak properly, chew and help the aesthetic appearance. The most important task of all is to prepare a suitable and healthy ground for the permanent teeth that will come from below. For this reason, it is of great importance that these teeth are kept in the mouth until the permanent teeth come in healthy.
Parents often do not notice caries on their milk teeth. To prevent this, a routine dentist examination is required every 6 months from birth. Especially in the first years of infancy, cavities that are called bottle cavities, which occur after giving sugary liquids for a long time, are among the most common cavities. In order to prevent this, it is important not to add sugar to the foods given with a bottle, and if necessary, to wipe the mouth with wet gauze after feeding in order to prevent caries. In addition, giving a bottle during the sleep preparation phase provides a suitable environment for bacteria in the mouth to damage the teeth during the night. This habit should be avoided in order to avoid bruises.
In summary; Healthy milk teeth are important for a healthy permanent dentition. For this reason, babies up to the age of 2 should wipe their mouths with wet gauze after feeding, and in the period after the age of 2, the teeth should be putty-free until the tooth brushing habit is fully acquired, after each meal with a suitable toothbrush and in the next period only the toothpaste produced for children. brushing is required.
