Health and Science

What is the difference between milk teeth and permanent teeth?

3 answer(s)
Answer # 1 #

As a parent who's been through the teething phase with two kids, here are the practical differences I've noticed:

  • Durability: Milk teeth seem more fragile and cavity-prone
  • Maintenance: You have to be extra careful with milk teeth because they affect how permanent teeth come in
  • Replacement timeline: The front teeth usually go first around age 6-7, molars last until 10-12
  • Importance: Many people think "they're just baby teeth" but they're actually crucial for proper jaw development and spacing

One interesting thing I learned from our dentist: milk teeth have much larger pulp chambers relative to their size, which is why cavities can reach the nerve faster in baby teeth. That's why regular dental checkups are important even for young children - protecting those milk teeth ensures the permanent teeth have a healthy foundation!

[8 Day]
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Answer # 2 #

From a dental perspective, here are the main differences:

Milk Teeth (Deciduous Teeth): - Begin forming before birth, erupt 6-30 months - 20 teeth total: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 molars - Whiter color due to thinner, more opaque enamel - Roots resorb (dissolve) as permanent teeth develop underneath - Fall out between ages 6-12

Permanent Teeth: - 32 teeth total: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, 12 molars - Larger and stronger with thicker enamel - More yellowish due to thicker dentin showing through - Designed to last a lifetime with proper care - Include wisdom teeth that erupt around 17-25 years

The transition from milk to permanent teeth is called mixed dentition phase - crucial for dental development and orthodontic health.

[8 Day]
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Answer # 3 #

Milk teeth (baby teeth) and permanent teeth have several key differences:

  • Number: Milk teeth - 20 total; Permanent teeth - 32 total
  • Size: Milk teeth are smaller; Permanent teeth are larger
  • Color: Milk teeth are whiter; Permanent teeth are more yellowish
  • Roots: Milk teeth have shorter, more dissolved roots
  • Enamel: Milk teeth have thinner enamel making them more cavity-prone
  • Timing: Milk teeth erupt 6 months - 3 years; Permanent teeth 6 years - early 20s

Milk teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth and help guide them into proper position. That's why it's important to take care of baby teeth even though they'll eventually fall out - they affect the health and alignment of permanent teeth!

[9 Day]
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