As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and our teeth are no exception. Babies begin life on a liquid diet, but as they grow, their dietary requirements and dental development evolve. Let’s explore this journey from a dental perspective.
Baby Teeth
The first set of teeth, known as baby teeth or deciduous teeth, forms the foundation of a child’s oral health. They teeth typically begin to emerge around 6 months of age, marking the stage when doctors recommend introducing soft foods into the baby’s diet. By the age of three, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
Combination of Both
After that, comes the hybrid stage. It’s when the baby teeth start falling and permanent teeth take it’s place. Therefore, between the ages of 6 to 12, baby and permanent teeth co-exist together. The molars also appear in this timeframe but without replacing any baby teeth. They have their own place. Finally, by the age of thirteen, the child becomes a teenager having a full set of 32 permanent teeth which are stronger and larger than the ones before.
Teeth for Life
As it’s obvious from the name, the permanent set of teeth is for life, if you take care of them, of course. If you are not happy with the way they look, you can have dentists start to work on them. It’s also why you see so many teens in braces and elastic bands. Even though they are stronger, they still require proper care which can be done through brushing and flossing regularly to ensure your perfect smile stays that way.
The Extra Ones
Finally, you get wisdom. Between the ages of 17 to 25, the final signs of dental development emerge which are the third molars AKA wisdom teeth. Evolution suggests they were essential for our ancestors because of their tough diets. However, it is not the same now. Studies have shown that our jaw sizes have become smaller over time therefore a lot of people have to get their wisdom teeth extracted or else it results in crowding, misalignment, and pain. If you are struggling with the same agonizing journey, reach out to our team which specializes in dental extractions in Germantown.
Prioritize Your Oral Health Today
We go through all these different stages at different age groups but one thing is common; care. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and timely dental visits. Here at Advanced Dental Care, we make sure you commit to good care. If you think you are behind on your dental visits, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Book an appointment with us today or fill out our online form and get the best dental care in Germantown.
