Isn't it a joy to witness the eruption of your child's little teeth?
Teething is a different journey for every child. The process is similar, but the actual timing can vary.
Here's what you can expect when your child is teething, the order in which teeth appear, and some tips to relieve discomfort.
Baby Teeth Eruption Calendar
Here is a guide on the order in which baby teeth appear.
- The first tooth to appear is the central incisor. It can erupt between the ages of 6 and 12 months. The lower incisors, or middle teeth on the bottom, are often the first to erupt. They usually fall out between the ages of 6 and 8.
- The next ones are the lateral incisors, or the teeth located next to the middle teeth. They can erupt around 9 to 13 months, and children can lose them between 7 and 9 years old.
- The first molar usually erupts through the gums around 13 to 19 months. They fall out between 9 and 11 years of age.
- The cusps, or canines, emerge at roughly the same time. This set is also called vampire teeth because they are long and pointed. They can appear between 16 and 22 months and be replaced by adult teeth between 10 and 12 years of age.
- The last teeth to erupt are the second molars or the molars furthest from the mouth. They can fall out at the same time as the cusps, around 10 to 12 years of age.
All the primary teeth erupt around the age of 2 or 3. Once all your child's baby teeth have come in, around the age of 4, you will also notice a gap between the teeth. This gap prepares the area for the eruption of the permanent teeth.
Between the ages of 6 and 12, your child's mouth may contain both baby teeth and adult teeth. By the age of 13, all adult teeth are present.
The exact timing can vary from child to child, but don't hesitate to consult your dentist if you suspect any problems in your child's mouth. Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor oral development and diagnose any issues.
Helping your child with teething
The discomfort of teething is natural and can last a few days. You can help your child feel better by trying the following:
- Gently rub or massage their mouths.
- Give them teething rings that do not pose a choking hazard. Be sure to clean them after each use.
- Let them enjoy sugar-free teething snacks.
- Dry their saliva immediately to avoid irritation.
Primary teeth are only there for a short time, but that doesn't mean they don't need attention. Although they are destined to fall out, they play an important role in the development of the mouth.
Primary teeth preserve space for adult teeth and maintain your child's facial structure. Premature loss can lead to malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. Healthy teeth also allow your child to chew, enjoy their food, and absorb the maximum amount of nutrients.
It is normal for the order to be a little slow or delayed, but talk to your dentist if your child has not reached certain milestones for more than a year.
Learn more about teething in babies
Take care of your child's baby teeth as if they were permanent teeth. After all, they are linked to the development of their mouth.
Throughout teething, children also need to learn how to take care of their mouths, with your support and guidance.
If you would like more information or help regarding your child's teething, our dental team will be happy to assist you.
