OFTEN we see parents coming to the Community Health Center or private dentist's practice asking for their son's milk teeth to be removed, just because it is teeth and black. As a parent, we have to know, When should a child's milk teeth be removed to ensure a neat arrangement of teeth in the jaw arch.
Tooth growth begins with the appearance of milk teeth at age 2 month arrived 2 year. The usual number of milk teeth 20 fruit, 10 upper teeth, and 10 lower teeth. The growth of milk teeth begins with the lower incisors, followed by the upper incisors. Next the 2nd milk incisor teeth grow, only then do milk molars grow at age 8-9 month.
The last milk teeth to grow are the milk canines. All of these milk teeth will later be replaced by adult teeth (permanent teeth) who grow from age 6-12 year, although sometimes more. Permanent tooth growth usually begins with the incisors, only then the small molars. So, After the incisors, the lower small molars continue, upper small molars, only then fangs.
Besides that, there are also permanent molars that do not support the milk teeth that begin to appear at age 6 year. This is what people often mistake for milk teeth, even though the teeth are actually permanent. The result is age 8-9 This year, permanent molars are generally damaged. even though, If it is damaged there is no tooth to replace it.
The last teeth to grow are canine teeth, usually in age 9-12 year. A child needs strong and healthy teeth, where these teeth are not only important for chewing food. But also for the pronunciation of words. Damaged milk teeth, because caries definitely causes children to have difficulty chewing or even be reluctant to eat, so that it will ultimately affect nutritional status.
Parents need to be aware of this, because most people think that if caries occurs in milk teeth, they don't need to be filled, because the teeth will be replaced permanently. In fact, the selection of carious milk teeth can damage the permanent teeth that are growing under the roots of the milk teeth. Milk teeth are guidance for the growth of permanent teeth.
So, Even though they are temporary and will later be replaced by permanent teeth, their health must still be looked after and maintained. Milk teeth that fall out prematurely and when permanent teeth are not ready to grow permanent tooth buds lose their guidance, That's one of the reasons why some people have crowded teeth, overlap, or out of the jaw arch.
Caries that occurs in children's milk teeth is most often caused by the use of milk bottles or sweet drinks given at bedtime. Besides that, saliva production decreases. Even though saliva has many functions. One way is to rinse the remaining food and bring it into the esophagus to be swallowed.
To avoid caries in children, At least they must be taught to brush their teeth correctly and on time, namely before going to bed at night and after breakfast. Cultivate eating foods with fiber and avoid sweets and sticky foods. Get into the habit of going to the dentist at least once every six months. *) Head of Genteng Kulon Community Health Center @radar
