When it comes to kids’ teeth, parents often have many questions about which ones are permanent and which ones will fall out. The back molars, also known as the 6-year molars, are an especially common source of confusion. Are a child’s back molars permanent or will they eventually fall out like their baby teeth? Let’s take a closer look.
The Role of Molars
Molars are the large, flat teeth located in the back of the mouth. They are essential for chewing and grinding food. Humans have a set of molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws.
There are different types of molars that emerge at different ages:
- First molars (6-year molars) – These are the first permanent molars to erupt, usually around age 6.
- Second molars (12-year molars) – These permanent molars emerge around age 12.
- Third molars (wisdom teeth) – These are the last molars to erupt, usually between ages 17-25.
In addition to the permanent molars, children also develop primary molars, which are among the first baby teeth to emerge. However, the primary molars are eventually lost and replaced by permanent teeth.
Are 6-Year Molars Permanent?
The answer is yes, first molars (6-year molars) are permanent teeth. Unlike baby teeth, the 6-year molars are not replaced by adult teeth later on. They emerge around age 6 and are meant to last the rest of a person’s life.
The 6-year molars are crucial for chewing and play an important role in maintaining the proper alignment of other teeth. Since they do not fall out like baby teeth, it is essential to take good care of 6-year molars with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
Signs of 6-Year Molars
Here are some signs that a child’s 6-year molars are coming in:
- Emergence around age 6
- Located in the very back of the mouth
- Broad, flat surfaces designed for grinding
- May cause irritation, swelling, or discomfort as they emerge
Taking Care of 6-Year Molars
To protect permanent 6-year molars, be sure to:
- Brush and floss thoroughly each day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- See the dentist every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups
- Get dental sealants applied to the chewing surfaces
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
The Difference Between Baby Teeth and Permanent Teeth
There are several important differences between primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth:
| Primary (Baby) Teeth | Permanent Teeth |
|---|---|
| Smaller in size | Larger in size |
| Whiter color | More yellowish color |
| Thinner enamel | Thicker, stronger enamel |
| Emergence and loss occurs earlier | Emerge and develop slowly over time |
| All eventually fall out | Meant to last lifetime |
As you can see, permanent teeth are designed to be stronger, bigger, and longer-lasting than baby teeth. Permanent teeth gradually replace the primary teeth because they are needed for a lifetime of chewing and grinding.
The Permanent Teeth Emergence Timeline
Children develop both primary and permanent teeth in a predictable sequence. Here is an overview of when various permanent teeth types emerge:
- 6-7 years – First molars (6-year molars)
- 10-12 years – Incisors and canines
- 11-13 years – Premolars
- 12-14 years – Second molars (12-year molars)
- 17-25 years – Third molars (wisdom teeth)
As you can see, the back 6-year molars are among the first permanent teeth to emerge, around age 6. The timing and order of when permanent teeth come in is important for proper chewing and alignment.
Late or Missing Permanent Teeth
If permanent teeth seem to be late erupting or are missing, be sure to consult a dentist. An orthodontist can help diagnose issues and come up with treatment plans. Intervention may be needed to save space for missing teeth and prevent alignment problems.
Caring for Permanent Teeth
Permanent teeth require diligent care to keep them strong and healthy over the years. Here are some tips for protecting permanent teeth:
- Brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once per day
- See the dentist every 6 months for cleanings and check-ups
- Wear a mouthguard for sports
- Eat a tooth-healthy diet low in sugar
- Drink fluoridated water
- Avoid tobacco products
Practicing excellent oral hygiene and getting professional cleanings helps prevent permanent teeth problems like cavities, staining, and gum disease.
Treating Permanent Tooth Problems
If issues do arise with permanent teeth, they can often be treated. Some common treatments include:
- Fillings – To repair minor to moderate decay
- Crowns – To restore heavily damaged teeth
- Root canals – To save infected teeth
- Extraction – Removing non-restorable teeth
- Dental implants – To replace missing teeth
The key is to address permanent tooth problems early before they worsen. Regular dental visits make it easier for dentists to detect and treat issues.
The Tooth Fairy and Permanent Teeth
The beloved tooth fairy tradition brings up a common question – what happens when a child starts losing permanent teeth? Parents often wonder if the tooth fairy still pays a visit when a permanent tooth is extracted or lost due to injury.
Should the Tooth Fairy Visit for Permanent Teeth?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. Some parents continue having the tooth fairy exchange lost permanent teeth for money. Others see the primary tooth tradition as ending once a child gets older.
If you do choose to continue the ritual, perhaps permanent teeth can be exchanged for bigger rewards. This retains the fun and excitement for older kids and teens.
Creative Ways to Handle Lost Permanent Teeth
Here are some tooth fairy ideas for lost permanent teeth:
- The final baby tooth marks the child’s “last visit” from the tooth fairy.
- Create a personalized goodbye letter from the tooth fairy upon the loss of the last baby tooth.
- Allow the child to pull out a loose permanent tooth themselves when the timing is right.
- Write a formal agreement exempting the tooth fairy from permanent teeth exchanges.
- Increase the reward amount for special permanent teeth, like wisdom teeth.
With some creativity, parents can adapt the tooth fairy tradition to work for permanent tooth loss in fun new ways.
Reasons Kids Lose Adult Permanent Teeth
There are a few reasons an adult or permanent tooth may require removal in a child or teen:
Dental Injury
Traumatic injuries from sports, accidents or falls can crack teeth or dislodge them from the socket. If the tooth cannot be saved via root canal therapy, extraction is necessary.
Tooth Decay
Severe tooth decay can destroy a permanent tooth making restoration impossible. Extraction is needed if the tooth cannot be treated with fillings, crowns or other methods.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, permanent teeth are extracted to make room for orthodontic work. This is often done with overcrowded teeth or bite alignment issues.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth often become impacted or erupt in sideways alignment. Dentists may advise removing them even if no problems are present yet.
Consult a pediatric dentist if your child needs a permanent tooth removed. Proper follow-up care is important after extractions.
Keeping Permanent Molars Healthy
Permanent molars play a key role in dental health and require vigilant care. Here are some tips for keeping permanent molars healthy and strong:
- Get dental sealants applied to molars to protect the chewing surfaces from decay.
- Avoid sticky sweets that can get trapped in molar grooves and cause cavities.
- Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to clean molars thoroughly.
- Floss at least once daily to remove plaque from between back molars.
- See the dentist every 6 months for dental cleanings and check-ups.
- Get cavities in permanent molars filled promptly before they worsen.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene and maintaining a low-sugar diet helps ensure permanent molars stay healthy and cavity-free.
Signs of Permanent Molar Problems
Watch for these signs of potential issues with permanent molars:
- Toothache or sensitivity
- Chipping, cracks or damage
- White spots indicating decay
- Holes or broken parts of fillings
- Swollen gums around molars
Consult your dentist right away if you notice any problems with permanent molars. Treating issues quickly minimizes more extensive repairs later on.
Conclusion
Permanent molars, including the 6-year molars, are meant to last a lifetime once they emerge around age 6. Since they do not fall out like baby teeth, it is critical to care for permanent molars properly through brushing, flossing, healthy diet, and regular dental visits. With good oral hygiene habits, permanent molars can remain strong and healthy for many decades.