The First Permanent Molar: The Tooth Parents Often Miss
Around the age of 6 years, something very important happens in your child's mouth — the first permanent molars begin to erupt.
These teeth are often called the “6-year molars.” They are some of the most important teeth your child will have because, unlike baby teeth, they are meant to last a lifetime.
This article will help you understand;
Do permanent molars replace a milk tooth?
No! This is where many parents get confused.
The first permanent molar does not replace a milk tooth. Instead, it comes into the mouth behind the last milk tooth. This means there is usually no baby tooth that falls out to make space for it.
What can your child experience while it is erupting?
Eruption of the first permanent molar can sometimes cause;
mild discomfort or tenderness
pain when chewing
redness at the back of the mouth
bad breath
What about the gum covering the tooth?
Sometimes, as the permanent molar erupts, a small flap of gum may remain over part of the tooth. Food and bacteria can get trapped underneath this gum. The area can become irritated and inflamed, causing discomfort. This condition is commonly referred to as pericoronitis.
If your child has persistent pain, swollen or irritated gum around the erupting molar, difficulty chewing, or difficulty opening the mouth, the area should be assessed by your paediatric dentist.
Why are these teeth so important?
The first permanent molars play a major role in:
Chewing and grinding food
Establishing the child's bite
Guiding the position of other permanent teeth
Providing support for the development of a healthy adult dentition
How can you help protect your child's first permanent molar?
Unfortunately, their deep grooves and fissures can also make them particularly vulnerable to tooth decay. And because they erupt so early, they are exposed to food and plaque for many years.
During the time of eruption, a simple warm salt-water rinse can often provide relief and help keep the area clean. However, if the pain is significant, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, fever or pus, the tooth should be examined by a dentist.
Keep brushing right up to the last tooth!
One of the most important things parents can do is to make sure their child brushes all the way to the back of the mouth. When a new molar is erupting, it can be difficult for a child to reach it properly.
Parents should supervise brushing at this age and make sure the bristles reach the chewing surface and the back of the newly erupted molar.
Dental sealants
Ask your paediatric dentist whether pit and fissure sealants are appropriate for your child's permanent molars. A sealant covers the deep grooves on the chewing surface and helps prevent food and plaque from getting trapped there.
Regular dental checks
The eruption of the first permanent molar is an excellent time for a dental visit.
Your paediatric dentist can check:
- Whether the tooth is erupting normally
- Whether the gum around it is healthy
- How well your child is cleaning it
- Whether sealants are advisable
- Whether there are any early signs of decay
Remember: the tooth that appears at six may need to last until sixty!
The first permanent molar is easy to overlook because it doesn't replace a baby tooth. It simply appears at the back of the mouth — and before long, it becomes one of the most important teeth in your child's smile.
So when your child is around six years old, have a look behind those milk teeth.
If you see a new tooth coming through, start protecting it immediately.
Brush it. Check it. Seal it when appropriate. And have it assessed by your paediatric dentist.
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