Isn’t it a joy to witness your child’s tiny teeth erupting?
Teething is a different journey for every child. The pattern is similar, but the actual timeline can vary.
Here’s what you can expect for your teething child, the order of tooth appearance, and some tips to help soothe their discomfort.
Baby teeth eruption timetable
Here's a guide on the order baby teeth emerge.
- The first tooth to appear is the central incisor. This can occur between 6 to 12 months of age. The lower incisors or middle teeth at the bottom are often the first ones to erupt. They usually fall out from 6 to 8 years old.
- The next in line are lateral incisors or the teeth next to the middle teeth. They can emerge around 9 to 13 months, and children can lose them from 7 to 9 years old.
- The first molar usually breaks through the gums at around 13 to 19 months. They fall out from 9 to 11 years old.
- The cuspids or canines emerge at around the same time. This set is also referred to as vampire teeth because it's long and pointed. They can appear from 16 to 22 months and be replaced by adult teeth from 10 to 12 years.
- The last teeth to erupt are the second molars or the molars far out the mouth. They can fall out at the same period as cuspids, which is around 10 to 12 years old.
The complete set of primary teeth erupts around 2 or 3 years of age. Once all your child's baby teeth have come out around the age of 4, you'll also notice space between their teeth. This prepares the area for the larger teeth coming out.
At 6 to 12 years old, your child’s mouth can show primary and adult teeth. And by age 13, all their adult teeth will have appeared.
The exact timing can vary per child, but don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist if you suspect issues in your child’s mouth. Routine dental visits are beneficial in monitoring the development of their mouth and diagnosing problems.
Helping your child through their teething journey
Teething discomfort is natural and can last for a few days. You can help your child feel better by trying the following:
- Rubbing or massaging their mouth gently.
- Giving them non-choking hazard teething rings. Be sure to clean them after every use.
- Letting them indulge in sugar-free teething snacks.
- Immediately drying their drool to prevent irritations.
The primary teeth are around for only a short time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need attention. While they’re bound to fall out, they still play an important role in mouth development.
Primary teeth preserve space for the adult teeth and maintain your child’s facial structure. Premature loss can result in a poor bite or misaligned teeth. Healthy teeth also allow your child to chew, enjoy their food, and absorb the most nutrition from it.
It’s okay for the order to be a little slow or delayed but talk to your dentist if your child has been missing milestones for over a year.
Learn more about teething in babies
Look after your child’s baby teeth like they're permanent ones. After all, they’re connected to their mouth development.
Throughout their teething journey, children also need to learn how to care for their mouth, with your support and guidance.
For further information or assistance on your child's teething journey, our dental team is happy to help.