What should I do if child's baby teeth or newly grown permanent teeth don't look aesthetically pleasing?
If a child's baby teeth or newly erupted permanent teeth appear less than aesthetically pleasing (such as yellowish color, irregular shape, misaligned arrangement, etc.), parents should not be overly anxious. Many of these situations are normal, temporary phenomena. Below are possible reasons and suggestions for addressing them:
1. Common causes of "ugliness" and whether intervention is necessary
(1) Decayed or damaged baby teeth turning black
Reason: Decayed (cavities) in deciduous teeth lead to blackening and damage.
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Even though baby teeth will fall out, severe tooth decay may lead to infection or affect the development of permanent teeth, necessitating timely filling or treatment.
If it is close to the period of tooth replacement and there is no inflammation, it can be observed and waited for natural shedding.
(2) The color of the new permanent teeth tends to be yellowish
Reason: The dentin of permanent teeth is more yellow than that of deciduous teeth, and the outer enamel layer is more transparent, making them appear yellower than deciduous teeth (a normal phenomenon).
Treatment: No intervention is needed, as this is the natural color of permanent teeth.
(3) Serrated edges of teeth
Reason: The newly grown incisor may have serrated undulations at the cutting end, which is a normal morphology of enamel development and will gradually be worn down by chewing.
Treatment: No treatment is required. It usually becomes smooth naturally within a few years.
(4) Irregular tooth arrangement
Reason: During the early stage of tooth replacement, gaps, crowding, or skewing (such as "eight-shaped" front teeth) may occur, and some will adjust on their own as the jaw develops.
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There is no urgency to correct it at the moment, but regular check-ups (once a year) are necessary.
If the permanent teeth are still irregular after erupting completely at around the age of 12, orthodontics should be considered.
(5) New teeth do not grow after the deciduous teeth fall out
Reason: Permanent teeth erupt slowly (commonly seen in upper incisors, which may be delayed for half a year to one year).
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If the tooth has not erupted after more than one year or if the corresponding tooth on the opposite side has already grown, an X-ray should be taken to check for impacted or missing permanent teeth.
2. When do you need to see a dentist?
It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly in the following situations:
The deciduous teeth are severely decayed, accompanied by gum swelling or abscesses.
The surface of the new tooth exhibits noticeable white spots, defects, or pits (possibly indicating enamel hypoplasia).
Discoloration of teeth after trauma (possibly pulp necrosis).
The permanent tooth grows completely misaligned (such as growing outside the gum).
3. How to help the aesthetic development of teeth?
Oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss to clean between your teeth to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
Diet adjustment: chew more fiber-rich foods (such as apples and celery) to promote jawbone development; control sweet foods.
Abandon bad habits: refrain from behaviors such as biting your fingers or sticking out your tongue, which may affect the alignment of your teeth.
4. Psychological comfort
If a child is ridiculed or feels inferior due to the appearance of their teeth, you can explain:
"The new teeth are still growing, just like saplings need time to become neat."
"The color of the teeth is healthy, unlike that of baby teeth."
Most teeth in the "ugly duckling stage" will gradually improve. If there are indeed abnormalities, the dentist will provide professional advice (such as early orthodontic treatment or restoration).
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