Teething is a significant milestone in an infant’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth and impacting their overall oral health. Understanding the baby teething process and the typical order of teeth eruption helps parents navigate this period more confidently. From the initial signs of gum swelling to the appearance of the first teeth, being informed about the teething stages can alleviate common concerns.
This guide provides an overview of baby teeth development, addressing key teething milestones and offering tips for maintaining your baby’s dental care. By understanding the teething timeline, parents can ensure a healthy start for their baby’s smile.
What is Teething?
Teething is the process in which an infant’s teeth begin to emerge through their gums. Babies are born with a complete set of teeth hidden beneath their gums, which typically start to break through between 4 and 7 months of age. This process begins with the eruption of the two bottom front teeth, followed by the four front upper teeth within the next 4 to 8 weeks.
Teething continues until the last set of molars appears, usually between 30 and 36 months of age. During this period, infants may experience discomfort, drooling, gum swelling, irritability, and a tendency to bite due to the pressure of tooth buds pushing through their gums.
Did you know that even before the baby was born, some little tooth buds were growing under the gums? It’s usually not after some time later that the teeth begin to break through, which marks one of the several milestones of a child’s dental development stages. In this article, we’ll talk about what moments to look for, and how you should address them as they arise. However, keep in mind that this is a rough guideline.
Teething Order: Which Teeth Come First?
The typical sequence of teething follows a consistent order, although the exact timing can vary for each infant. The first baby teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors, which appear between 6 and 10 months of age. These are followed by the upper central incisors, which typically come through around 8 to 12 months. Next, the upper lateral incisors usually erupt between 9 and 13 months, followed by the lower lateral incisors at about 10 to 16 months.
After the incisors, the first molars begin to appear. The upper first molars usually come through between 13 and 19 months, while the lower first molars emerge around 14 to 18 months. Canines, which are the pointed teeth located between the lateral incisors and the first molars, typically emerge next. The upper canines usually come through between 16 and 22 months, and the lower canines between 17 and 23 months.
Finally, the second molars, which are the last of the primary teeth to erupt, appear. The lower second molars usually emerge between 23 and 31 months, followed by the upper second molars between 25 and 33 months. Most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth by the age of 3.
Here’s a summarized baby tooth timeline:
- Lower central incisors: 6 to 10 months
- Upper central incisors: 8 to 12 months
- Upper lateral incisors: 9 to 13 months
- Lower lateral incisors: 10 to 16 months
- Upper first molars: 13 to 19 months
- Lower first molars: 14 to 18 months
- Upper canines: 16 to 22 months
- Lower canines: 17 to 23 months
- Lower second molars: 23 to 31 months
- Upper second molars: 25 to 33 months
The jaw and facial bones continue to grow and develop between ages 4 to 6, and the primary teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth between ages 6 and 12, resulting in a full set by age 13.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Teething can cause a variety of symptoms in babies, which can vary in intensity and duration. Recognizing these signs can help parents manage their baby’s discomfort during this developmental stage. Common signs and symptoms of teething include:
- Drooling: Increased drooling, which may start as early as 3 to 4 months of age.
- Rash: A rash on the face caused by drool containing irritating food particles.
- Chewing: An increased need to chew on objects, as this helps to alleviate gum discomfort.
- Gum Pain: Mild gum pain, which isn’t always constant but can cause fussiness.
- Swollen Gums: Gums that appear swollen or puffy.
- Irritability: Increased fussiness or crankiness due to the discomfort of teething.
- Temperature: A slight rise in body temperature, though not a true fever.
- Sleep Disruption: Disturbed sleep patterns, with the baby waking up more frequently.
- Loss of Appetite: A reduced desire to eat.
- Diarrhea: Sometimes associated with teething, although this is less common.
- Ear-Rubbing: Babies may rub their ears, which can be a sign of teething discomfort.
- Putting Fingers or Fists in Mouth: An increased tendency to put hands in the mouth to soothe gums.
Additionally, some babies may exhibit other specific symptoms when a tooth is about to emerge, such as:
- Sore and Red Gums: The area where the tooth is coming through can be sore and red.
- Mild Temperature: A slight temperature increase, typically less than 38°C (100.4°F).
- Flushed Cheek: One cheek may appear more flushed than the other.
- Teething Rash: A rash on the face due to excessive drooling.
- Dribbling: More drooling than usual.
- Gnawing and Chewing: Increased gnawing and chewing on objects.
- Fretfulness: Being more fretful and irritable than usual.
- Sleep Issues: Not sleeping as well as they normally do.
How to Soothe Teething Pain in Babies
Soothe teething pain in babies with these practical tips and home remedies:
Massage: Gently rub or massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or wet gauze for a minute or two. The pressure can help relieve discomfort.
Teething Toys: Provide your baby with firm rubber teething rings or a cold spoon to chew on. Avoid frozen teething rings, as they can hurt your baby’s gums. Experiment with different teething toys to find one that your baby prefers.
Pain Relievers: If your baby is over 2 months old, you can give them a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). For babies older than 6 months, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used. Always follow the directions on the label regarding dosage based on your child’s age and weight.
Comfort Measures: Cuddle and rock your baby to help them feel safe and calm. Distracting them with white noise can also be soothing.
- Cold Compress: A clean, cold washcloth can provide relief when chewed.
- Teething Gels: Consult your pediatrician before using teething gels or topical pain relievers.
These methods can help manage teething discomfort, making the process more bearable for both the baby and parents.
Does My Baby Need to See a Dentist When Teething?
Parents should schedule their baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. This early visit is crucial for several reasons:
- Early Oral Health Assessment: Even baby teeth are susceptible to cavities. A children’s dentist can check for early signs of cavities and ensure proper oral health from the start.
- Teething Guidance: The dentist can provide valuable advice on how to care for and clean your baby’s teeth and gums during the teething process. They can answer any teething-related questions and offer tips to alleviate discomfort.
- Dental Development Monitoring: Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to monitor the development of your baby’s teeth and ensure they are coming in properly. This helps identify and address any potential issues early on.
- Establishing a Dental Home: Early visits help establish a dental home for your child, creating a foundation for healthy dental habits and reducing anxiety around dental visits as they grow.
- Professional Advice: Dentists can offer professional advice on brushing, flossing, and overall dental care as your baby grows older and becomes more independent in their oral hygiene routine.
Following the Australian Dental Association recommendations, scheduling the first dental visit shortly after the first tooth erupts helps ensure your baby’s teeth and gums are well cared for from the beginning. This proactive approach supports cavity prevention and promotes healthy dental development.
Summary
While teething is a natural process, it’s crucial to prioritize your baby’s oral health from the start. Early dental visits with a children’s dentist provide valuable dental guidance and ensure healthy development. For expert advice on baby teeth care and the importance of dental visits, contact Simply Dental Chatswood at 13/240 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067. Let’s build a strong foundation for your child’s lifelong smile!
