All About Baby Teeth

As a new parent, seeing your baby's first teeth can be exciting, adorable, and sometimes challenging.

And, while your child will eventually lose this first set of tiny teeth, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's oral development and overall health. Here's what every parent should know about baby teeth, from when they appear to how they make way for permanent teeth.

What are Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth or deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth that emerge in your child's mouth. While they began to form long before your baby was born, baby teeth typically start to appear around 6 months of age and continue to come in until about age 2 or 3. Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they're 3 years old. Don't worry if your child is a few months off from this average as there can be significant variation from child to child.

Which Teeth Appear First

While every child is different, baby teeth tend to follow a predictable eruption pattern. Here's a general timeline of when you can expect each tooth to make its debut:

6-12 months: Central incisors (front teeth)
9-13 months: Lateral incisors (next to central incisors)
12-18 months: First molars (back teeth)
16-22 months: Canines (pointed teeth next to lateral incisors)
24-33 months: Second molars (farther back than first molars)

Keep in mind that some babies may get their teeth earlier or later than these ranges, and that's perfectly normal. But if you have concerns about your child's tooth development, talk to us!

The Purpose of Baby Teeth

Despite their small size and temporary nature, baby teeth serve several important functions.

Chewing and Eating

Baby teeth allow your child to transition to solid foods, which will add variety to their diet that will be necessary for proper nutrition and growth as they get older. Keep in mind that your baby is learning, so introduce new foods slowly, cutting them into small pieces in the beginning.

Speech

Having a full set of teeth helps your child learn to speak clearly and correctly. The tongue, teeth, throat, and jaw all work together to make the necessary sounds for speech.

Facial Development

Healthy baby teeth support the development of your child's facial muscles and jawbones. In addition, baby teeth act as placeholders for the adult teeth that will eventually replace them. They help guide the permanent teeth into the correct position for proper spacing and alignment.

Teething

As each new tooth starts to push through the gums, your baby may experience some discomfort and fussiness. You may notice the following symptoms come and go during the first few years.

Drooling
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Loss of appetite
Chewing on objects

To help soothe your baby's sore gums, you can try a chilled teething ring or pacifier, a gentle massage of the gums with a clean finger or soft toothbrush, cold, soft foods like applesauce or yogurt, or using an over-the-counter pain reliever, as recommended by your pediatrician.

If your baby's symptoms seem severe or last longer than a few days, consult with your doctor to rule out other causes.

From Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth

Around age 5 to 7, your child's baby teeth will start to loosen and fall out to make room for their permanent teeth. This process usually follows the same order in which the baby teeth appeared.

Once the tooth is very loose, it will usually fall out on its own without significant pain or bleeding.

If a baby tooth does cause pain, takes longer than a few weeks to fall out, you do not see a new tooth emerge within a few months, or your child loses a tooth before age four or hasn't lost any by age 7, contact our office so we can make sure there are no underlying issues.

Caring for Baby Teeth

Even though baby teeth are temporary, you should still take good care of them. Baby teeth can get cavities, plus it is important to foster healthy brushing and flossing habits so they last a lifetime.

As soon as your child's first tooth appears, start brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

It's also important to start regular dental visits by your child's first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. We can monitor your child's oral development, provide preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants, and catch any issues early on.

If you have questions about your child's baby teeth or need to schedule a check-up, give us a call today!