Difference Between Milk Teeth and Permanent Teeth

Introduction

Teeth are an essential part of the human body. They help us in chewing food and support our facial structures. However, not many people know that there are two types of teeth that develop in our lifetime: milk teeth and permanent teeth. In this article, we will discuss the differences between milk teeth and permanent teeth.

Milk Teeth

Milk teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth that develop in humans. They usually start to appear around 6 months after birth and continue to develop until the child is 2-3 years old. Milk teeth are temporary teeth that will eventually fall out to make way for the permanent teeth.

Milk teeth are smaller in size and have a whiter appearance than permanent teeth. They are also less strong and more prone to decay than permanent teeth. Milk teeth are essential for speech development and chewing food, but they also play a significant role in maintaining proper spacing and alignment of permanent teeth.

Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth are the second and final set of teeth to develop in humans. They start to emerge when the child is around 6 years old and continue to develop until the early twenties. Permanent teeth are larger, stronger, and more resilient than milk teeth. They are also more yellowish in color than milk teeth.

Unlike milk teeth, permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. They are essential for chewing and grinding food, maintaining facial structure, and developing speech. They also help in the formation of a beautiful smile.

Conclusion

In summary, milk teeth and permanent teeth have significant differences. Milk teeth are temporary, smaller, whiter, and weaker than permanent teeth. They are also more prone to decay and play a crucial role in maintaining proper spacing and alignment of permanent teeth. Permanent teeth, on the other hand, are meant to last a lifetime, larger, stronger, and more resilient. They are essential for chewing, maintaining facial structure, and developing speech. Knowing the differences between milk teeth and permanent teeth is vital for maintaining proper dental hygiene and oral health.

Table difference between milk teeth and permanent teeth

Difference between Milk Teeth and Permanent Teeth

Feature	Milk Teeth	Permanent Teeth
Number of Teeth	20	32
Growth Period	From 6 months to 3 years	From 6 years to 21 years
Tooth Size	Smaller in size	Large in size
Tooth Shade	Whiter	Yellowish
Root Length	Shorter	Longer
Root Resorption	Milk teeth roots are resorbed to allow the permanent teeth to come in	Permanent teeth do not have roots that are resorbed
Structure	Thinner enamel, smaller pulp cavity, and no premolars	Thicker enamel, larger pulp cavity, and premolars present
Function	Used for chewing soft food	Used for chewing hard food