20/09/2026
🦷 DID YOU KNOW? THE SCIENCE BEHIND BABY TEETH! 👶🏼
Baby teeth are much more than just a cute little smile! Did you know that your pēpi’s first teeth actually begin developing before they’re even born?
Here are 5 fascinating scientific facts about your little one’s teeth:
🔬 1. Teeth begin forming in the womb The process of tooth development begins at approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy, long before your baby’s first tooth becomes visible.
🦷 2. Baby teeth are already hiding beneath the gums When your baby is born, their 20 primary teeth are already developing beneath the gum tissue, waiting for the right time to erupt.
🧬 3. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body Tooth enamel protects the delicate inner structures of teeth. However, baby teeth have thinner enamel than permanent teeth, making good oral hygiene especially important.
🍼 4. Baby teeth play a role in jaw development and speech Primary teeth support chewing, contribute to speech development and help maintain space for permanent teeth as your child grows.
✨ 5. Baby teeth are temporary, but their impact is lasting Most children have 20 primary teeth, which gradually make way for 32 permanent teeth (including wisdom teeth). Healthy baby teeth help support a healthy oral environment throughout childhood.
💡 WHĀNAU TIP: Start brushing as soon as that first little tooth appears, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste appropriate for your child’s age. Baby teeth need just as much care as adult teeth!
Those tiny teeth are doing some pretty incredible work! 🤍
