Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 5 minutes
If you’re a new parent, you’ve likely wondered about your baby’s teeth. When will they come in? Do babies already have their teeth hiding somewhere in those adorable gums? And what should you be doing to ensure your child’s dental development is on the right track?
Obviously your baby isn’t born with visible teeth, but they’ve got a full set of teeth waiting to make their grand entrance.In this blog, we explain tooth development in kids, from infancy through adolescence.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Your child’s tooth development is a natural, step-by-step process that begins long before their first tooth appears. Start by gently caring for their gums, schedule their first dental visit around their first birthday, and continue with regular check-ups. Establish healthy brushing habits early, limit sugary foods, and stay informed about each stage of tooth development.
Understanding Baby Teeth (Primary Teeth)
The development of your babies primary teeth, also known as baby teeth or deciduous teeth, began well before birth. These microscopic tooth buds start forming as early as the eighth week of pregnancy, hidden beneath the gums, preparing for their eventual debut.
The Eruption Sequence
Typically, you’ll notice the first tiny tooth popping through those soft gums around six months of age. The central incisors—those front and center teeth—are usually the first to appear. These are soon followed by the lateral incisors, canine teeth, and eventually molars. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
- 6-10 months: Central incisors (bottom front teeth) emerge.
- 8-12 months: Central incisors (top front teeth) come in.
- 9-13 months: Lateral incisors (side teeth) appear.
- 13-19 months: First molars (back teeth) start coming in.
- 16-22 months: Canine teeth (sharp, pointed teeth) erupt.
- 25-33 months: Second molars finish the primary set.
By age 3, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
The First Dental Visit
Your baby’s first dental visit should happen around their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears—whichever comes first. This early visit helps catch any potential issues and sets the foundation for good oral health habits.
| 💡Did you know?We accept Medicaid! Our goal is to make quality healthcare accessible to everyone in our community. Give us a call to learn more. |
Teething: What to Expect
Teething is a milestone, but it can be a tough time for both you and your baby. The process of teeth pushing through the gums can cause discomfort, and your little one may experience symptoms like:
- Drooling (lots of it!)
- Irritability or fussiness
- Chewing on objects to relieve the pressure
- Swollen or tender gums
Soothing Teething Discomfort
To help soothe your baby’s teething discomfort:
- Offer a clean teether: A solid rubber teether can provide relief. Avoid liquid-filled or frozen teethers, which can damage the gums.
- Massage the gums gently: Use a clean finger to rub your baby’s gums in circular motions.
- Chilled washcloth: Wet a washcloth, chill it in the fridge, and let your baby chew on it for comfort.
Myth Busting
#1 Teething causes fever
Fact: Teething can cause a slight rise in their body temperature, but it doesn’t cause fever. If your baby has a high fever, consult your pediatrician as it might be unrelated to teething.
#2 A delay in teething means something wrong
Fact: Teeth begin forming beneath the gums before birth, but they may not make their appearance until as late as 12 months. A delayed eruption doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem—your little one might just be on their own unique timeline.
#3 Teeth come in randomly
Although it might seem like your baby’s teeth are popping up in a chaotic way, they actually follow a specific sequence, typically emerging in pairs.
Long-Term Dental Health
Your child’s primary teeth play an important role in their dental development. They help with chewing and speech development and they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth (adult teeth). By maintaining healthy baby teeth, you’re setting the stage for a beautiful smile as your child grows.
Healthy Habits for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
- Brush twice a day with fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Regular dental check-ups: Schedule visits every six months to keep your child’s teeth in top shape.
FAQs About Teeth Development
Are babies born with teeth?
In rare cases, a baby may be born with one or two teeth already visible, these are called natal teeth. They can become loose and may need to be removed to reduce the risk of choking.
What are the different types of teeth?
There are four main types of teeth: incisors (for cutting), canines (for tearing), premolars (for crushing), and molars (for grinding).
When do kids get molars?
Kids typically get their first molars between 13 and 19 months, and second molars between 25 and 33 months. Permanent molars start to come in around age 6.
When do babies get their first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth, usually a lower central incisor, between 6 and 10 months of age.
When do kids start losing teeth?
Kids usually start losing their baby teeth around age 6, with the process continuing until about age 12.
How many teeth does an adult have?
An adult typically has 32 teeth, including the wisdom teeth.
When do permanent teeth stop growing?
Permanent teeth stop growing after the wisdom teeth emerge, usually between ages 17 and 25.
Youth Dental – Your Friendly Kids Dentist
Remember, early dental care is key to a lifetime of healthy teeth. If you have any concerns or just want to ensure everything is on track, schedule a visit with our dentists. We’re here to help you navigate this journey, one tooth at a time.
At Youth Dental, we offer a comfortable and friendly environment for kids to receive the dental care they need. Our team of experienced and caring dentists will work with you to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy.
If you are searching for a dentist that accepts Medicaid or a dentist accepting new patients, we can help. We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. To book an appointment at one of these locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form.
