Changing baby teeth: what you need to know?

Many parents are convinced that a pediatric dentist should only be consulted if a child has a toothache. But in fact, a regular visit to a specialist is required much more often, and especially when milk teeth are changed to permanent ones. Visits to the clinic allow you to prevent possible unpleasant consequences: caries, malocclusion, curvature.


The first milk teeth begin to erupt in a baby at the age of six to three years. After five years, milk teeth begin to fall out, giving way to permanent ones. Changing baby teeth requires close attention from the parents and regular check-ups. Otherwise, the following problems may occur:


  • the growth of molars begins earlier than the milk ones fall out;

  • severe pain and discomfort during eruption is possible, accompanied by high fever, nausea, weakness.


When changing milk teeth, a situation often arises when permanent teeth begin to grow earlier than milk teeth fall out. There is a common misconception that baby teeth should be removed as soon as they begin to wobble. But in reality, it is worth doing this only in some cases:


  • if the molar has already begun to erupt and the presence of a milk tooth in its place can provoke curvature;

  • inflammation, swelling of the gums, fever and pain;

  • if a loose tooth gives the child severe discomfort and interferes with eating normally.


When changing milk teeth to molars, you need to adhere to several basic rules that will save the child from possible problems in the future. When a baby tooth falls out, the wound may bleed slightly due to damage to the thin vessels. In this case, you need to clamp the cotton swab with your teeth for 10-15 minutes. Also, do not eat and drink for a couple of hours, and to prevent infection, rinse your mouth with a salt solution with a few drops of iodine.


During the period of milk teeth change, it is necessary to visit the dentist at least once every six months. Even if the molars do not grow correctly, you should not rush to install the bracket system. The doctor will tell you exactly when it is necessary to deal with the correction of imperfections and malocclusion. As additional measures, it is recommended to use special solutions for rinsing the mouth after meals, to remineralize the enamel by applying solutions containing fluoride and calcium.