As babies grow, the shape of their gums changes to accommodate the baby teeth that begin to erupt. When does a baby's first tooth erupt? Although the teething process is totally different for each child, in general it follows a similar pattern for all children.
At KIN we explain when babies' teeth come in, which one usually comes in first, how long it takes, and most importantly: how to take care of them. If you want to ensure complete oral health right from the start for your little one, take note of these easy-to-implement and highly effective tips for parents.
When does a baby get its first tooth?
The eruption of a baby's first tooth is a very emotional moment for any mom or dad. It usually appears between approximately 4 and 7 months of age, although it can be slightly earlier or later.
Some babies begin to erupt their first milk tooth as early as the third month of life. Others have to wait a little longer, and the process does not begin until they are 8 months old.
Don't worry if this happens. It is normal for some babies to teething earlier and others later. You just need to be patient and if in doubt, consult your pediatrician or an expert in pediatric dentistry during the first dental checkup your baby's first dental check-up.
Where does the baby's first tooth erupt?
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, that is, the bottom teeth in the center. One erupts first, and then the next one usually follows.
Then, although there is no fixed rule, the upper incisors follow 4 to 8 weeks later, first the central and then the lateral incisors, 4 pieces in total.
A few weeks later, the lower lateral incisors will appear, completing the 8 incisors or front teeth.
What are the typical symptoms of teething?
In order for the teeth to erupt and position themselves correctly in the jaws, the baby's gums have to open up to make room for them. Some children do not feel any discomfort with the eruption of teeth. On the other hand, others may be a little more uneasy just as the first tooth begins to erupt.
A very common symptom is increased drooling in the child, who will have a greater tendency to put different objects in the mouth to bite. It is also common for them to put their hands in their mouths, rubbing the gums with their knuckles.
The gum may appear somewhat swollen, reddened and even with small bruises that are not serious. It is normal for the baby to be more irritable, restless, with crying episodes and alterations in sleeping and feeding patterns.
However, the eruption of the first baby tooth should not cause high fever, diarrhea or severe discomfort in the baby. If you notice extreme symptoms of this type, it may not be due to the teething process and it is advisable to consult your health care provider.
How long does it take for a baby's first tooth to erupt?
Once teething begins, the process is usually quite fast. From the time we first notice it in the mouth until full eruption, it usually takes between 7-14 days. Once in the mouth, we will notice that the possible discomfort felt by the baby will decrease as the full eruption of the tooth approaches. Generally, baby teeth erupt in pairs, one on each side of the lower and upper jaw, more or less in the order mentioned above.
How many teeth do babies have?
A baby has a total of 20 baby teeth. These are composed of 10 teeth in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw.
The eruption process of the baby teeth will last until the baby is approximately 3 years old. However, in each child it will be different.
From 6 or 7 years of age, the milk teeth will begin to fall out, with the subsequent eruption of the permanent or definitive teeth.
How to care for baby's first teeth
When the baby's first tooth comes out is when we should start with its care. It is important to brush twice a day using a small portion of toothpaste with the amount of fluoride adapted to their needs.
Choose a toothbrush with extra soft bristles for infants and a children's toothpaste with fluoride, using the amount of toothpaste corresponding to a grain of rice.
As the child grows, it is possible to increase the amount of toothpaste when he/she is able to spit it out after brushing his/her teeth. The use of mouthwash and dental floss is equally important to achieve complete dental hygiene, taking care of baby teeth from the beginning, and implementing healthy habits that can be maintained throughout life.
If you have questions about children's children's oral care, ask your dentist. It is normal that parents do not know how to act correctly when our little one's first tooth comes out, but with a little help, it is possible to achieve the best preventive care for the health of your teeth.
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