Milk Teeth (Primary Teeth): Development, Function & Care

Primary ("milk," "deciduous," "baby") teeth are the first dentition, essential for childhood function and permanent tooth guidance.

Key Facts

• Number: 20 total (10 per arch): 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 molars (no premolars).
• Eruption: Begins ~6 months (mandibular central incisors); complete by ~33 months.
• Structure: Thinner enamel, larger pulp chambers → faster caries progression.
• Exfoliation: Begins ~6 years (mandibular centrals); complete ~12–13 years.

Functions

• Mastication, nutrition
• Speech development
• Space maintenance for permanent successors
• Alveolar bone growth stimulation
• Esthetics, psychosocial

Care Essentials

• Brush 2×/day with fluoride toothpaste (rice-grain <3 yrs, pea-size ≥3 yrs).
• Floss when contacts close.
• First dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth.
• Limit sugar frequency; no bottle/sippy cup with milk/juice at bedtime.
• Fluoride varnish per dentist.

Why Primary Teeth Matter

Early loss → space loss → malocclusion, crowding, impaction. Caries in primary teeth increases caries risk in permanent dentition. They are not "just temporary"—they set the foundation for lifelong oral health.