Human teeth go through two major growth phases: primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Understanding their differences is essential for maintaining oral health from an early age and ensuring optimal dental development.
Number and Composition of Teeth
Primary teeth usually begin to erupt at around 6 months of age and consist of 20 teeth, including:
- 8 incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 molars
Meanwhile, permanent teeth begin to emerge at around 6 years of age and consist of 32 teeth, including:
- 8 incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 premolars
- 12 molars
Size and Shape of Teeth
Permanent teeth are generally larger and more complex in shape compared to primary teeth. For instance, newly erupted permanent front teeth often show mamelons, small ridges that can wear down naturally over time.
Root Structure and Strength
Primary teeth have shorter and thinner roots, making them easier to shed. In contrast, permanent teeth have longer and stronger roots, providing greater resistance during chewing.
Enamel and Dentin Layers
Enamel and dentin in primary teeth are thinner compared to permanent teeth. This makes them more susceptible to decay and cavities. Therefore, caring for primary teeth is crucial to prevent problems in permanent teeth later on.
Tooth Color
Primary teeth usually appear whiter due to thinner enamel, while permanent teeth tend to look more yellowish because of thicker dentin.
Differences in Dental Maturation by Gender
A study conducted by FKG UGM student Sri Nelsa Aldanela, supervised by Drg. Ryna Dwi Yanuaryska, Ph.D. and Drg. Shoimah Alfa Makmur, MDSc., Sp.KGA., used the Al Qahtani method to assess dental maturation in children aged 7–11 years. The findings revealed significant differences in dental maturation levels between boys and girls. In boys, significant differences were observed across all age groups, while in girls, no significant differences were found between ages 8–9, 9–10, and 10–11 years.
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Understanding the differences between primary and permanent teeth helps parents and children maintain oral health from an early age. Proper care of primary teeth will support the healthy growth of permanent teeth
References
Sri Nelsa Aldanela, drg. Ryna Dwi Yanuaryska, Ph. D.; drg. Shoimah Alfa Makmur, MDSc., Sp.KGA., Comparison of Dental Maturation Levels Between Boys and Girls Aged 7–11 Years Using the Al Qahtani Method (A Study on Panoramic Radiographs at RSGM UGM Prof. Soedomo), https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/233276
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
