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While a new baby is a blessing that will change your life forever, having one also means you’ve got a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first child. If you have a newborn at home, you may be wondering when and in what order her baby teeth are going to come in. Here’s a look at the typical tooth eruption process.
The Science of Baby Teeth
While everyone is a little bit different, and your child may show deviations from this pattern, primary teeth emerge in the human body in a typical order. Starting with the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth), the 20 baby teeth start coming in at around the 6-month mark. Again, this can be different for everyone, and that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. Some babies are born with teeth and others don’t get their first teeth until the 12-month mark. The following chart shows the typical age in which primary teeth erupt and when they’re lost to make room for permanent teeth.
Teething and Other Wonders of the Human Body
The process of baby teeth erupting can be uncomfortable, and especially if your baby’s a little fussy, navigating this process can be difficult. Here are some tips to help your baby feel better:
- Use a clean finger (or cold teething ring) to rub your baby’s gums gently for about 2 minutes at a time. Your baby may protest at first, but will find this soothing.
- Provide safe objects for your baby to chew on, such as teething rings.
- If needed, give your baby an over-the-counter pain reliever labeled for her age. Read and follow all instructions. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.
Another important milestone once teeth have started coming in is your baby’s first visit to the dentist. When the first tooth erupts, or when your baby has reached her first birthday is the appropriate time to make an appointment. If it’s time for baby’s first visit, give us a call today.
