MILK TEETH

The teeth that start to erupt around 6-9 months during infancy and are completed at about 2.5-3 years of age are defined as “milk teeth” or “baby teeth”. There are 20 milk teeth in total. Around the age of 6, the permanent first molars begin to erupt and almost simultaneously, the lower front teeth begin to wobble, entering the period we call “mixed/mixed dentition”. Generally, around the age of 11-12, all the milk teeth change. The time of eruption and change of teeth may vary by +/- 6 months.

Milk teeth are primarily important for nutrition, just like permanent teeth. Milk teeth are of great importance for chewing, nutrition and therefore growth and development. One of the most important tasks of deciduous teeth is to act as a placeholder for the permanent teeth that will come from below. It is very important that the deciduous teeth are complete so that the teeth that will come from below can be properly aligned.

For a child who is just learning to speak, the correct pronunciation of letters and the ability to speak properly are thanks to the milk teeth.

Early loss of anterior deciduous teeth due to decay at an early age or a black/brown appearance due to decay can affect the psychology of children, especially those who have just started school and have started to make friends.