Understanding Baby Teeth and Eruption Schedule
Baby Teeth and Teething
Baby teeth usually begin erupting between six and twelve months of age. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age two or three, while these teeth typically begin falling out around age six to make room for permanent teeth.
Teething may cause tender or sore gums as new teeth emerge. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger, cool damp cloth, or chilled teething ring may help relieve discomfort. Contact your child’s dentist or doctor if symptoms are severe or accompanied by a fever.
Caring for Your Child’s Growing Smile
Healthy dental habits should begin before the first tooth appears and continue throughout every stage of your child’s growth and development.
Infant Oral Care
Clean your baby’s gums with a damp cloth. Once the first tooth erupts, begin brushing with an age-appropriate toothbrush.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and age-appropriate toothpaste. Supervise until your child can brush effectively.
Healthy Brushing Habits
Encourage brushing morning and night. Brushing together, singing, or using a timer makes the routine enjoyable.
Gentle Brushing
Teach your child to brush carefully without applying excessive pressure, which may irritate or damage their developing gums.
Reducing Sugar
Limit candy, juice, soda, and sweetened drinks. Sugar exposure increases cavity risk in primary and permanent teeth.
Bottle and Sippy Cup Care
Avoid letting your child sleep with bottles of milk, formula, juice, or sweetened drinks. Clean teeth and gums after feeding.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Your child should receive an early dental assessment after the first tooth appears or around their first birthday. Early visits allow our team to monitor development, identify concerns, and help your child become comfortable in the dental environment.
During the appointment, we may examine your child’s teeth and gums, discuss feeding and oral habits, and provide guidance for brushing, toothpaste, nutrition, and cavity prevention. Bringing your child to a parent’s or sibling’s appointment may also help familiarize them with our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do baby teeth begin to appear?
Baby teeth commonly begin erupting between six and twelve months of age. The timing varies for every child, but most children have all 20 primary teeth by age two or three. These teeth usually begin falling out around age six.
How can I relieve my child’s teething discomfort?
Gently massage your child’s gums with a clean finger or cool damp cloth. A chilled teething ring may also provide relief. Avoid very hard objects, sugary teething biscuits, and topical medications unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Is a fever a normal part of teething?
Teething may cause mild gum tenderness, irritability, or increased drooling, but fever is not generally considered a normal teething symptom. Contact your child’s doctor when a fever develops or when you are concerned about their health.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
Children should generally visit the dentist after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early visits help monitor dental development, identify potential concerns, and establish positive experiences that may reduce dental anxiety later.
When should I begin brushing my baby’s teeth?
Clean your baby’s gums with a damp cloth before teeth appear. Once the first tooth erupts, begin brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste under close parental supervision.
How can I reduce my child’s fear of the dentist?
Use positive language and avoid words associated with fear or discomfort. Bring your child to family appointments, read dental-themed books, practise brushing together, and maintain regular visits so the dental environment becomes familiar.