Have you ever compared your adult (permanent) teeth with your baby (primary) teeth and wondered how to tell the difference? There are a few characteristics that can help you figure out which is which.
1. Quantity
One of the main ways to tell if your tooth is a baby tooth or an adult tooth is by looking at their quantity. Baby teeth are usually much smaller and more numerous than adult teeth, making them easier to distinguish from one another. If you notice that you have an unusually high number of small, sharp teeth in your mouth, it’s likely that they are baby teeth.
2. Size and Shape
In addition to being smaller in size, baby teeth are usually more rounded and delicate-looking than adult teeth, which tend to be more angular and sturdy. This is due to the different ways that baby teeth and adult teeth develop and grow in the mouth.
If you take a close look at your teeth, you’ll probably be able to notice that your adult teeth are longer, narrower, more irregular, and have sharper points than your baby teeth.
3. Color
Baby teeth are typically much brighter and whiter than adult teeth, which tend to be more yellow in color. If you notice that your teeth are significantly different colors, it’s likely that the brighter, whiter ones are your baby teeth.
4. Purpose
One of the most obvious ways to tell if your tooth is a baby tooth or an adult tooth is by its purpose. Baby teeth are typically temporary, meaning that they will eventually fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. If you have a tooth that seems to be loose or wiggling, it’s more likely to be a baby tooth. On the other hand, adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so they should be much more stable in the mouth.
5. Strength
Baby teeth are not as strong as adult teeth. This is why they often fall out before the adult teeth come in. If you try to wiggle one of your teeth and it feels loose, there’s a good chance that it’s a baby tooth.
Baby teeth tend to be much more prone to decay and damage than adult teeth, as they have not fully developed yet and maybe weaker due to their smaller size. Baby teeth may also be more likely to have cavities or other damage on their surface.
6. Location
Baby teeth are typically located in the front of the mouth, while adult teeth are found towards the back. If you have a tooth that seems out of place, it’s likely that it’s a baby tooth.
You can also look at the roots of each tooth. The roots on baby teeth do not usually fully develop or extend past the gums, while adult teeth have fully developed root systems. This means that if you look at the bottom of a tooth, you can see more of its roots on an adult tooth than you can on a baby tooth.
Final Thought
Now that you may know how to tell the difference between baby teeth and adult teeth, you can confidently identify your own teeth and take the necessary steps to care for them. Whether you’re brushing, flossing, or visiting your dentist regularly, knowing that your tooth is a baby tooth will help you give it the care and attention it needs to stay healthy and strong.
If you’re still not sure whether a tooth is an adult or a baby tooth, you can always ask your dentist for help. They will be able to examine the tooth and give you their professional opinion.
