Baby teeth

When do the first baby teeth emerge?

The first teeth (baby teeth) begin to grow around the 6th month of life and continue growing until about the age of 3. Some babies get their first tooth at three months, while others may get theirs at eighteen months, and both are healthy and developing normally.

Children get twenty teeth, their baby teeth, during the first three years of life. This is why it seems like teeth are constantly coming in, and parents often attribute some illnesses to this completely normal process.

The Order of Tooth Eruption

Usually, the first two central lower incisors (the ones in the front) erupt first. These are the baby teeth and make up the eight front teeth (four lower and four upper). A few months later, the upper incisors come in, four of them, usually one month apart. The average baby at one year of age will have six teeth—four on top and two on the bottom. Then comes a break of a few months before the next set erupts. At that point, six teeth will erupt one after another: two remaining lower incisors and four first molars. Molars do not erupt immediately next to the incisors because they leave room for the canines.

After the first molars erupt, there is another break of a few months before the canines begin to emerge between the incisors and first molars. This typically happens in the second half of the second year. Finally, the four second molars (the ones behind the first molars) usually erupt by the middle of the third year. On average, the first incisors erupt at around 7 months, the second at around 8 months, first molars from 10 to 14 months, canines from 14 to 20 months, and finally, the second molars from 24 to 30 months. However, this is just an average. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s eruption pattern is earlier or later.

What should you do when the first baby teeth start emerging?

The growth of teeth causes sensitive gums in children, making them very irritable. Some babies whine, chew on everything they can grab, drool, have difficulty sleeping, and wake up constantly during the months when their teeth are coming in. Others might not even notice it, and parents only see the tooth in their mouth without realizing it was coming in. You can help by gently massaging their gums with your finger where the baby teeth are about to erupt or by gently brushing their gums with a small, soft toothbrush. You can also give them a special teething toy, which you can store in the fridge to cool down their gums and make the teething process more comfortable for them.

There are gels or liquids for babies that contain pain relievers or small amounts of anesthetics to alleviate teething symptoms. You can inquire about these products with your dentist or pediatrician. If your baby develops a fever during teething, contact your pediatrician first to rule out any other possible causes for the fever.

Should I brush the first teeth?

Once the first teeth come in, they should be cleaned with a damp gauze pad by gently rubbing them from the gum line toward the bottom edge. This process should be done at least five times, cleaning both the visible side and the side facing the mouth. You can also clean the teeth with a special finger toothbrush, which is also a great way to massage their gums. The first teeth should be brushed in the morning and evening. During this time, the baby should just play with the toothbrush to get used to it.

When should I start using a toothbrush and toothpaste?

From the second year of life, regular use of a toothbrush and child-friendly toothpaste is recommended. Child toothpaste containing fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. A minimal amount of toothpaste is enough, and it can be spread over the bristles to ensure it’s safe if ingested.

How should I properly brush my child’s baby teeth?

Place the toothbrush at the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Start by making small circular motions to clean each tooth, then move the brush in the direction of the tooth’s growth (top teeth downward, bottom teeth upward). Be sure not to miss any teeth or surfaces. Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Ensure you’ve cleaned all the fissures and grooves. Also, make sure to brush the inside surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue. Again, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line and make small circular motions before brushing in the direction of growth.

Gently brush your child’s tongue to remove bacteria and keep their breath fresh. Help your child rinse their mouth and teeth.

Why should baby teeth be treated?

Under each baby tooth lies the developing permanent tooth. If baby teeth aren’t treated properly, parents risk damaging the developing permanent teeth.

The earlier you start treating your child’s teeth, the easier it will be for them to overcome any fear of the dentist’s chair. Baby teeth protect space for the permanent teeth, ensuring straight teeth as your child grows older.

The health of the teeth directly affects digestion, which is especially important for children.

Untreated teeth can lead to chronic infections.

A child who smiles freely is much more social and emotionally confident.

When is the right time for the first dentist visit?

The first visit to the dentist is very important for both your child and you. It will have a big impact on how your child views their oral health in the future. The period from the eruption of the first baby teeth to the age of three is ideal for the first visit. Along with a check-up on the health of their teeth, gums, and jaw development, the dentist will also evaluate their bite and provide you with all the necessary information about how to properly maintain oral hygiene and all the preventive measures you should take at the right age.

What should not be done before the dentist visit?

Don’t pass your own fears about visiting the dentist to your child. They will feel it.

Avoid using negative words like “pain,” “injection,” “needle,” or “drilling” in front of your child.

Don’t use a dentist visit as a punishment.

Don’t let anyone tell scary stories about dentists in front of your child.

Don’t worry if your child cries during the dentist visit; this is a normal reaction for small children in a new situation.

Don’t overemphasize the dentist visit; if it seems too important, it might make your child anxious.

After the visit, talk to your child about it and remind them how fun it was.