What are the first permanent teeth?
Shortly before the age of 5, the spaces between the primary teeth begin to increase, and the dental arch is no longer continuous. This means that the jaw has grown and is starting to create space for permanent teeth. Since permanent teeth are wider, more space is needed. At the same time, the primary teeth are already somewhat worn down. Therefore, this is a completely natural process.
The first permanent teeth for many children are actually the larger molars that erupt at the very back of the dental arch. If you count from the center — from the gap between the front teeth — to the right or left, the 6th tooth is already a permanent tooth. There are 10 primary teeth in one jaw arch. For many parents, the appearance of the first permanent teeth comes as a surprise, because no tooth has fallen out…
However, these newly erupted teeth at the back of the arch are very important for the future and for life as a whole. From the age of 6 onwards, the eruption of the 6th teeth should be checked from time to time. When these teeth appear, special attention should be paid to cleaning them.
We definitely recommend seeing children with mixed dentition twice a year at the dentist, as many changes occur in their mouths in a short period of time. It is especially important to come for a visit if a permanent tooth has already started to erupt through the gum and the primary tooth does not want to fall out on its own. In this case, you can call the reception and request an appointment for primary tooth extraction. We usually try to arrange this as soon as possible.
Permanent teeth may also initially erupt in a less ideal position, just like primary teeth. However, if the child regularly visits the dentist according to schedule, all positions can be monitored and, if necessary, the child can be referred to an orthodontist for consultation.
How to support the transition of dentition?
Tooth eruption can also be somewhat seasonal. It may happen that during winter, when there is less sunlight and children may have issues with calcium metabolism, new teeth do not appear for a longer period of time. For the “development” of dental tissues, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are essential. With the arrival of spring, tooth eruption often becomes faster again.
For children in rapid growth phases, we also recommend that parents pay attention to diet and additionally give the child vitamin D. This is important for the proper development of the entire skeletal system. It is also important to monitor functions and teach parents to observe breathing, swallowing, speech, and sleeping patterns.
Dental treatment for children up to 19 years of age is FREE in our clinic!*
*An appointment fee of 5 euros applies.
Useful information about children’s oral health can be found on SUUKOOL.EE and also in the Tervisekassa information leaflet.
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