Temporary vs Permanent Teeth: What’s the Difference?

Baby teeth may seem small, but they shape your child’s entire dental foundation. Knowing the difference between temporary vs permanent teeth helps you protect your child’s smile now and later. Let’s break it down simply—what baby teeth do, when they fall out, how they change, and why they matter more than most expect. Keep reading to set your family up for healthy, strong teeth at every age.

Key Takeaways:

• Children have 20 baby teeth; adults typically have 32 (28 without wisdom teeth).
• Baby teeth start around 6 months and fall out between the ages of 6–12.
• Adult teeth begin breaking through around age 6; a full set (minus wisdom teeth) usually by age 13.
• Adult teeth have thicker enamel, deeper roots, and include premolars and molars.
• Baby teeth support speech, jaw development, and save space for adult teeth.
• Baby teeth fall out in a pattern: lower/upper incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, second molars.
• Signs of adult teeth: loose baby teeth, sore gums, “shark teeth,” visible ridges (mamelons).
• Dental care: Brush twice daily, floss when teeth touch, dental checkups every 6 months.
• Common myth: Cavities in baby teeth don’t matter — they do.

Main Differences: Temporary vs Permanent Teeth

Temporary vs Permanent Teeth

Temporary teeth, also known as milk or primary teeth, appear around six months of age, with a total of 20. Permanent teeth begin to replace them around age six, eventually totaling 32, including the wisdom teeth.

Size and Structure Differences

Temporary teeth are smaller, whiter, and have thinner enamel, making them more susceptible to decay. It's crucial to ensure proper early dental care. Permanent teeth have thicker enamel, designed to endure through a lifetime.

Root Structure

The roots of temporary teeth are short and dissolve as permanent teeth emerge. In contrast, permanent teeth feature longer roots that anchor deeper in the jaw.

Presence of Premolars

Temporary teeth lack premolars. Permanent teeth include both premolars and wisdom teeth, providing extra surface for chewing more complex foods.

Tooth Composition

Both temporary and permanent sets contain incisors, canines, and molars. However, permanent teeth are larger and wider, tailored for long-term functionality.

For more insights on the importance of healthy temporary teeth, visit our guide to dentistry for kids.

Both temporary and permanent teeth are vital in supporting your child’s developing smile.

Temporary vs Permanent Teeth: Timeline and Process

Timeline for Shedding Temporary Teeth

The transition from temporary (baby) teeth to permanent teeth typically begins around age six. Baby teeth generally fall out in the order they appeared, completing the process between ages 6 and 12.

1. Lower and Upper Central Incisors: The first to fall, these teeth usually begin the transition.
2. Lateral Incisors: Follow the central incisors.
3. First Molars and Canines: Begin to transition around the end of this phase.
4. Second Molars: Typically, the last to go, between ages 10 and 12.

Permanent teeth usually grow in as baby teeth fall out, with most children having 28 of their 32 adult teeth by age 13. Wisdom teeth may appear between the ages of 17 and 21.

To assist in tracking this timeline, dentists use a primary-to-permanent teeth transition chart. While most timelines are consistent, slight variations are normal.

Order of Shedding Temporary Teeth

The order in which temporary teeth fall out typically follows this pattern:

• Lower Central Incisors
• Upper Central Incisors
• Lateral Incisors
• First Molars
• Canines
• Second Molars

Each child may experience slight variations in their timeline. Losing teeth earlier or later than peers is often within the normal range.

The transition from temporary to permanent teeth is a significant milestone in a child's dental development. Regular dental checkups ensure a smooth process and address any concerns.

Signs Indicating Permanent Teeth Are Coming In

• Small Bumps: These appear behind baby teeth as adult teeth begin to emerge. Sometimes, both baby and adult teeth coexist momentarily, creating a “shark teeth” appearance. If the baby tooth doesn’t fall out soon, a dentist can assist.
• Wiggly Baby Teeth: Often the first sign of an incoming adult tooth.
• Sore Gums: As teeth begin to move, gums may feel tender.
• Adult Teeth Characteristics: New adult teeth may have rough ridges called mamelons. They also tend to look more yellow due to thicker enamel reflecting less light.

Ensuring smooth transitions requires daily brushing and flossing, paired with regular dental checkups. If a baby tooth doesn’t fall out as expected, it could impact the placement of adult teeth.

Discover more about preventing major dental issues in kids with this comprehensive guide.

Importance of Baby Teeth Despite Being Temporary

Temporary Teeth in Speech and Jaw Development

• Temporary teeth aid in the formation of sounds, guiding the lips and tongue movement. Missing teeth can impede the pronunciation of certain words.
• They play a crucial role in shaping the face by ensuring balanced jaw growth.

Function of Temporary Molars

• Temporary molars assist in chewing, similar to adult molars. These keep a place ready for the adult teeth to follow. Premature loss could result in chewing difficulty and potential future issues.

Long-Term Impact on Dental Health

• Decay in temporary teeth can affect the developing adult teeth underneath.
• Early loss of temporary teeth can cause drifting, leading to crowded permanent teeth.

Healthy temporary teeth pave the way for a robust adult smile. Ignoring care due to temporariness can result in significant problems later, including infections and complex treatments. Explore a detailed guide on avoiding four major dentistry problems in kids.

Temporary vs Permanent Teeth: Tooth Count

Children have 20 temporary teeth, while adults typically have 28 to 32 permanent teeth.

Temporary Teeth

• Begin to appear around 6 months, reaching a total of 10 on top and 10 on the bottom.

Permanent Teeth

• Consists of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including wisdom teeth).
• First adult molars usually appear around age six, and second molars by twelve. Wisdom teeth may erupt between the ages of 17 and 21.

Understanding each tooth's purpose and proper care ensures efficient dental communication and growth tracking. Learn more about dental replacements and implants here.

Proper Care for Temporary Teeth

Begin oral care before the first tooth emerges using a damp cloth to clean gums. Start brushing when temporary teeth appear.

Brushing and Flossing Habits for Kids

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice daily.
• For children under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste. At 3 and older, switch to a pea-sized amount.
• Supervise brushing until age seven, ensuring all tooth surfaces are cleaned.
• Begin flossing when the two temporary teeth touch.

Engage children with brushing songs or a fun timer. Allowing them to choose their brush can maintain interest.

Recommended Pediatric Oral Hygiene Products

• Select items with the ADA Seal, such as child-sized toothbrushes and fun-flavored fluoride toothpaste.
• Use floss picks for easier handling by smaller hands.

Introduce mouthwash only when children can swish and spit safely. Explore more insights in this kids’ dentistry guide.

Treatment for Temporary Tooth Cavities

• Treat cavities promptly to prevent spreading and other complications.
• Dental care should begin by age one, allowing dentists to address concerns early.

The impact of early dental habits shapes future dental health. Temporary teeth, though not permanent, require dedicated care to sustain a healthy foundation.

Dental Milestones and Eruption Stages: Temporary vs Permanent Teeth

Key Stages of Tooth Development in Kids

• Baby Teeth Eruption (6 Months–3 Years):
• First baby teeth appear around 6 months.
• By age 3, most children have all 20 temporary teeth.
• Track milestones with a tooth development guide.
• Mixed Dentition Phase (6–12 Years):
• Transition includes both temporary and permanent teeth.
• First adult molars, known as six-year molars, appear.
• Molars do not replace baby teeth; they erupt behind them.
• Full Set of Adult Teeth (by Age 13, Wisdom Teeth Later):
• Most permanent teeth, excluding wisdom teeth, are in place by age 13.

Eruption Charts and Healthy Development

Parents can use eruption charts to recognize healthy growth or potential delays. Look for symptoms such as sore gums, prolonged gaps, or overcrowding.

If a baby tooth remains past age seven without the corresponding adult tooth, a dental consultation is recommended. Issues like swelling or crooked teeth may indicate underlying problems.

Every developmental stage contributes to speaking, eating, and jaw formation. Missing steps could lead to crowding or speech gaps.

Addressing Early or Delayed Loss of Temporary Teeth

If a temporary tooth falls out too soon, it might cause nearby teeth to shift, impacting space for adult teeth. Late loss can trap adult teeth or misalign their path.

Retained baby teeth may obstruct permanent teeth from erupting, resulting in awkward paths or "shark teeth."

Missing baby teeth can disrupt jaw alignment, necessitating braces or space holders.

Care for Permanent Teeth

• Brushing: Twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing: Begins once teeth touch.
• Sealants: Consider for new molars to prevent food buildup.

Permanent teeth endure more wear, sugar exposure, and time. Although enamel is thicker, it still requires diligent care.

Regular dental visits, every six months, keep track of tooth spacing and alignment. More frequent visits may be necessary for rapid or crowded adult tooth eruption.

Function of Various Types: Temporary vs Permanent Teeth

• Incisors: Cut food.
• Canines: Tear food.
• Premolars: Crush food.
• Molars: Grind food for swallowing.

Temporary teeth include incisors, canines, and molars, but no premolars. Premolars emerge with adult teeth as the jaw enlarges.

Pediatric Monitoring of Tooth Changes

Dentists utilize X-rays to evaluate alignment and monitor the transition from temporary to permanent teeth. They address any alignment or spacing concerns early through orthodontic guidance.

Common Myths and Facts About Temporary Teeth

• Cavities Must Be Treated: They impact future dental health, as baby teeth guide adult teeth alignment.
• Purpose of Temporary Teeth: Essential for speaking, eating, and jaw spacing.

Misunderstandings around age and loss timing are common. Temporary teeth play a crucial role until they're naturally replaced.

Encouragement for Oral Health

Engage children through simple explanations, videos, and positive reinforcement. These practices promote good habits that lead to healthy adult teeth.

Temporary teeth are more than placeholders; they are essential to a child's oral development. Regular care and monitoring ensure a smooth transition to permanent teeth. For comprehensive guidance, refer to the dentistry for kids guide. Every tooth matters.

Get Expert Guidance on Temporary vs Permanent Teeth

Ensure your child's oral growth and transition from temporary to permanent teeth are in expert hands. At Dean Dental Solutions, we prioritize creating a calm, comfortable, and confident atmosphere for patients of all ages. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Why Choose Dean Dental Solutions?

• Comprehensive Services: From cleanings to preventive care, we cover all aspects of dental health.
• Experienced Team: Our skilled professionals are trained to make dental visits enjoyable for children.
• Insurance Friendly: We accept various dental insurance plans to accommodate your family's needs.
• Family-Friendly Environment: We create a welcoming space that puts both children and parents at ease.

Schedule an appointment today with Dean Dental Solutions to give your child the best start in lifelong oral health. Let us guide you in ensuring every step from temporary to permanent teeth is smooth and successful. Visit our website or call us to learn more and book your child's next visit. Your child’s smile is our priority!