Question
My child got their milk teeth at ten months old, and now they are almost eight years old and still haven’t changed them. What should I do? Besides many cavities, I want to know if these cavities can be replaced during the changeover?
Answer
Generally, milk teeth consist of 20 teeth. Starting from the incisors, count five on the upper and lower jaws on each side. If there are wormholes in the inner permanent teeth, they will need to be repaired promptly. Children with slow tooth eruption and replacement should not be anxious. Pay attention to proper nutrition in daily life. Eat more green vegetables, consume plenty of whole grains, have an egg every day, half a pound of fruit daily, 25 grams of dried fruit. Also, get plenty of sunlight exposure, regular activities to enhance calcium absorption. Increase outdoor exercise to strengthen vitamin absorption; prolonged indoor staying can lead to vitamin deficiency and poor calcium absorption. So, whenever possible, spend more time outdoors, engage in activities, run and jump around. Drink plenty of water daily and try to reduce the intake of many beverages; sodas mixed with cola should be avoided. Wishing you a happy life!