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Teeth begin to develop around the sixth week of fetal life, with development continuing throughout fetal life and beyond. |
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Germ cells from the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm all contribute to tooth formation. |
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Tooth development is divided into 4 stages: the bud, the cap, the bell, and crown. |
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A variety of potential insults can interfere with normal tooth development. |
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The primary teeth begin to erupt around 6 months of age, with eruption completed by 24 to 36 months. |
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The timing of typical primary eruption can be easily recalled using the 7+4 rule. |
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Eruption is usually symmetrical, with the lower teeth erupting before the upper teeth. |
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The primary teeth typically erupt in the following pattern: central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, second molars. |
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Permanent teeth erupt in a pattern similar to that of the primary teeth. |
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The permanent teeth typically begin erupting between 5 and 7 years and finish by 13 to 14 years. |
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Although some infants develop natal or neonatal teeth, this type of eruption is uncommon. |
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Delayed tooth eruption of more than 12 months may be the result of a medical condition and should be evaluated. Referral is warranted if a child has no teeth by 18 months of age. |
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Tooth loss is also known as exfoliation. |
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Both early and delayed tooth loss should be evaluated to determine the underlying cause. |
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Caries, trauma, and a variety of medical disorders can result in early tooth loss. |
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Global delay in tooth loss most commonly results from an endocrine or genetic disorder. |
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Hypodontia occurs in approximately 3% of the US population. |
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Anodontia, the complete lack of tooth development, is extremely rare. |
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The wisdom teeth do not develop in approximately 20% of people. |
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It is important to recognize medical conditions that affect the number or shape of an individual's teeth. |
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Excess fluoride intake can result in a chalky white or severe brown discoloration of the teeth. |
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Root death from trauma or severe caries causes a grayish discoloration of the teeth. |
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Food pigments, smoking, oral iron supplements, and poor oral hygiene can all discolor the teeth. |
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Tooth discoloration should be evaluated by a dentist to determine the likely cause and if treatment or prevention exists. |
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There are no symptoms that consistently and accurately predict teething. |
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Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough or congestion should not be attributed to teething and may require evaluation. |
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Teething rings should be refrigerated only to prevent infants from developing fat necrosis. |
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Parents should be made aware of the potential dangers of over-the-counter topical teething gels. |
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Malocclusion can be genetic in nature or result from prolonged oral habits. |
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Malocclusion may affect appearance or hinder eating and proper oral hygiene. |
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Referral to a dental professional is appropriate if a malocclusion is noted on examination. |
