Yes, milk teeth, also known as baby teeth, do move, particularly when they are getting ready to fall out.
Baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. This process involves the permanent tooth developing beneath the milk tooth. As the permanent tooth grows, it pushes against the root of the milk tooth, causing it to resorb (dissolve). This resorption weakens the milk tooth's root, leading to increased mobility. Eventually, the milk tooth becomes loose and falls out, making way for the permanent tooth to erupt.
However, milk teeth can also move due to other factors, such as:
- Trauma: An injury to the mouth can cause a milk tooth to loosen and move.
- Dental disease: Gum disease or severe tooth decay can affect the supporting structures of the tooth, leading to mobility.
In summary, while movement in milk teeth is a natural part of the process of permanent teeth eruption, it can also be caused by external factors like trauma or dental disease. If a milk tooth becomes loose prematurely or unexpectedly, it's best to consult a dentist.
