Since teeth are involved in chewing, talking, and maintaining facial structure, they are extremely important. Humans have two sets of teeth in a lifetime; temporary teeth, also called milk teeth or primary teeth and permanent teeth.
By learning to identify the difference between permanent teeth and temporary teeth, you can ensure that your oral health is kept in order throughout each phase of your life. For expert care and guidance, consider visiting Lifeberries Dental Clinic in Viman Nagar, Pune.
What Are Temporary Teeth?
Temporary (or milk) teeth, also referred to as baby or primary teeth, are the first set of teeth to appear in a child’s mouth. At around 6 months, these teeth start to erupt and are necessary for chewing and speech development.
They have temporary teeth, which are smaller, whiter, and more delicate than permanent teeth.
What Are Permanent Teeth?
Temporary teeth are replaced with permanent teeth, which are supposed to stay with you for life. The wisdom teeth are the last ones to erupt, starting around 6 years old and continuing into the early twenties.
Permanent teeth are bigger, harder, and less prone to decay than temporary teeth.
Difference Between Permanent Teeth and Temporary Teeth
Key difference between permanent teeth and temporary teeth are highlighted in the following table:
| Feature | Temporary Teeth | Permanent Teeth |
| Number of Teeth | 20 | 32 |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Color | Whiter | Slightly yellowish |
| Root Structure | Shorter and thinner | Longer and stronger |
| Eruption Time | Starts at 6 months and completes by 3 years | Starts at 6 years and completes by early 20s |
| Lifespan | Falls out by age 12 | Meant to last a lifetime |
| Function | Helps in chewing and speech development | Enables proper chewing, speech, and facial structure maintenance |
| Durability | Less durable, prone to decay | More durable, stronger enamel |
| Root Absorption | Roots dissolve before falling out | Roots remain intact |
Number of Teeth in Temporary and Permanent Sets
There are 20 temporary teeth and 32 permanent teeth, including four wisdom teeth.
| Type of Teeth | Temporary Teeth | Permanent Teeth |
| Incisors | 8 | 8 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 0 | 8 |
| Molars | 8 | 12 (including wisdom teeth) |
Eruption Timeline: Temporary vs. Permanent Teeth
The timeline of eruption for temporary teeth and permanent teeth is different.
- Temporary teeth: Begin erupting at 6 months of age and complete eruption at 3 years of age.
- Permanent teeth: Starting around 6 years old, permanent teeth start to replace temporary teeth; the process continues into early adulthood.
| Age | Temporary Teeth | Permanent Teeth |
| 6 months – 3 years | All 20 temporary teeth emerge | No permanent teeth |
| 6 – 12 years | Temporary teeth start falling out | Permanent teeth begin erupting |
| 12 – 21 years | No temporary teeth | All permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth, emerge |
Structure and Composition Differences
The difference between temporary and permanent teeth is also evident in their structure:
- Temporary teeth have thinner enamel and softer dentin, which makes them more prone to decay than permanent teeth.
- Permanent teeth have thicker enamel, permanent teeth are more durable and less prone to cavities..
Function and Role of Temporary and Permanent Teeth
- Temporary teeth are used for chewing and speaking and help guide permanent teeth into place.
- Permanent teeth help structure the face, allow for the correct pronunciation of speech, and facilitate meaningful chewing.
Durability and Lifespan
The difference between primary and permanent teeth also differ in terms of durability:
- Temporary teeth are weaker and only last until age 12.
- With proper care, permanent teeth are stronger and meant to last a lifetime.
Common Dental Issues in Temporary and Permanent Teeth
Dental issues can affect both milk teeth and permanent teeth:
- Temporary teeth: More prone to cavities due to thin enamel.
- Permanent teeth: Tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion can affect permanent teeth if not properly cared for.
Care and Maintenance for Both Types
Keeping both temporary and permanent teeth is important for oral health.
For Temporary Teeth
- The use of a soft bristle brush and brushing twice daily.
- Don’t eat too many sugary foods to prevent cavities.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups.
For Permanent Teeth
- Fluoride toothpaste can strengthen enamel.
- Brush your teeth twice a day to reduce plaque buildup.
- Don’t smoke, and don’t have too much sugar.
Dr. Surbhi Bhatia emphasizes the importance of early dental care for children and consistent oral hygiene practices for adults.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between milk teeth and permanent teeth is essential for proper dental care. Temporary teeth are smaller, whiter, and fall out, while permanent teeth are stronger, larger, and not meant to be lost.
From childhood, proper oral hygiene ensures healthy permanent teeth in adulthood.
FAQs
Milk teeth, with thinner enamel, fall out by age 12. Permanent teeth are stronger, with thicker enamel; they last a lifetime.
By age 12, most permanent teeth have already emerged but can continue to grow until about age 21.
Permanent teeth do not grow back if lost. They need to be properly cared for to prevent decay or damage.
If a baby’s tooth falls out too early, it can lead to alignment problems with the permanent teeth. To help prevent crowding, a dentist may suggest a space maintainer.
