Why do children's teeth become "serrated"?

When visiting dentists

I often hear many parents ask the following questions:

“Why do the edges of my child’s newly erupted front teeth look like saw teeth?”

“Are these little serrations normal?”

"Do I need to go to the hospital for treatment if I have a small sawtooth?"

......

Today we will learn about the small sawtooth.

How to understand "serrated" teeth?

Around the age of 7, a child's incisors are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. When the upper and lower incisors erupt, the cutting edges are serrated, which are usually called the developmental nodules of the teeth. Medically, this is a normal morphological structure and is also called the incisal ridge nodule.

Serrations are usually divided into three lobes. Since teeth are formed by the fusion of three developmental lobes during primitive embryonic development, the incomplete fusion forms serrations, which are commonly seen in the upper and lower front incisors and lateral incisors.

Can calcium supplementation prevent serrated teeth?

It is unnecessary to blindly supplement calcium for sawtooth during the period of tooth replacement. After the teeth erupt, calcification has been basically completed. Although there is still a process of further calcification in the subsequent growth process of the teeth, the degree of calcification is limited and is not obtained by food intake.

Dentists remind us that generally, after the serrated teeth erupt, they will be naturally smoothed out in the process of natural chewing and biting in about 2 years. Therefore, serrated teeth are not a disease and do not need to be treated in the hospital.

What should you pay attention to when you have serrated teeth?

This stage is the period when children are changing their teeth. They should pay attention to chewing more, which can not only smooth out the jagged teeth, but also exercise the children's teeth and allow them to grow on their own.

Around the age of 2 and a half, after all the deciduous teeth have erupted, you should pay attention to eating more fiber-rich and hard foods (fruits, carrots, beans, corn, celery, etc.) to increase the chewing of the teeth. The chewing action will stimulate the movement of the chewing muscles, accelerate blood circulation, and promote the development of the gums, jaws, and facial bones.

Special reminder: Pay attention to nutritional supplements during children's tooth replacement period

Comprehensive nutritional supplements should be provided in combination with the child's own physical fitness; in the daily diet, attention should be paid to eating more fish, beans, meat, and foods containing vitamins B and C.

If your child is usually malnourished, it is recommended that you give your child some baby formula in addition to increasing nutrition in their daily diet. The various nutrients in milk powder are more comprehensive and easier for children to absorb than pure milk. Some experts point out that children should drink milk powder at least until they are 7 years old.

In addition, it is recommended to take calcium supplements appropriately; children's bones grow and develop rapidly, and calcium deficiency can cause serious consequences. Children need more calcium when they replace their teeth. If calcium absorption is insufficient, it will cause uneven teeth and make the teeth more susceptible to caries. In general, dietary supplements are recommended, such as dried shrimps, kelp, and fish, which are all very good calcium supplements. Calcium supplements can also be added when necessary.

Once again, parents are reminded

Check your child's oral cavity frequently during the tooth replacement period

Observe whether the teeth to be replaced have erupted on time

Check whether the adjacent unerupted teeth are tilted, displaced, or have deformed teeth.

If you find any problems, take your child to see a doctor immediately

No issues found yet

It is also recommended that children go to a dental hospital for a comprehensive checkup after they are 3 years old.