When most parents think about their child’s teeth, they usually picture a mouth full of pearly whites with no issues. However, there’s one set of teeth that often surprises parents when they emerge – wisdom teeth. These molars can cause a whole host of issues, especially when they arise in children as young as six years old.
Here are five surprising facts about your young child’s wisdom teeth:
1. Your child’s wisdom teeth are already developing at the age of six.
Many parents are surprised to learn that their child’s wisdom teeth are already developing by the time they are six years old. These molars typically don’t emerge until the late teenage years or early twenties, but they start forming much earlier. This is important to keep in mind because it means parents should keep an eye out for any signs of trouble early on.
2. Not all children will develop wisdom teeth.
While most people will develop wisdom teeth at some point in their life, not everyone will. In fact, some people will never develop them, while others may only have one or two. So if your child’s dentist says they don’t see any signs of wisdom teeth, don’t panic – it’s not uncommon.
3. Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and misalignment of other teeth.
One of the most significant issues with wisdom teeth is that they can cause crowding and misalignment of other teeth. This happens because wisdom teeth can push on the other teeth as they emerge, causing them to shift out of place. If this happens, it can cause your child to need orthodontic treatment in the future.
4. Removing wisdom teeth early can prevent future issues.
Because of the potential issues with crowding and misalignment, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth early. This typically happens in the late teenage years or early twenties when the molars have fully emerged. However, if your child’s wisdom teeth are causing issues at an earlier age, it may be necessary to remove them sooner.
5. Your child may not need all four wisdom teeth removed.
Finally, it’s worth noting that your child may not need all four of their wisdom teeth removed. In some cases, only one or two of the molars may be causing issues, so those are the ones that would need to be removed. This can vary from child to child, so it’s essential to work closely with your child’s dentist to determine the best course of action.
In conclusion, it’s essential for parents to be aware of their child’s wisdom teeth development and potential issues early on. By staying on top of your child’s dental health and working with their dentist, you can help prevent and address any problems that may arise.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)