Baby Teeth: When They Come In and Why They Matter
A first tooth is a small milestone, and it tends to arrive with a few practical questions attached: when to expect it, what the teeth that follow are for, how to help a baby through the stage, and when to plan a first dental visit. Here is what a parent can expect.
When baby teeth come in
Babies are born with all 20 primary teeth already in their jaws. Sometime around 6 months of age, the first teeth break through the gums, and the rest come in gradually, with most making an appearance by age 3 (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
Why baby teeth matter
Primary teeth are essential for chewing and help children speak clearly. They also help set the proper spacing for adult teeth to come in correctly, a process that starts around age 6, and baby teeth lost to cavities can threaten the health of the permanent teeth (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
Easing teething
Gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger, a chilled spoon or a moist gauze pad can be soothing, and a clean teether for your child to chew on may also help (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
When to plan the first dental visit
A child's first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
Related: your child's first dental visit and dental habits for kids by age.
Our office is at 147 Main St, 2nd Floor, Lodi, NJ 07644, and Dr. Steven Liao is our dentist. When you are ready to arrange a visit, the next step is our first-visit page.
Sources
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). "Baby Teeth." https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/baby-teeth
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "Frequently Asked Questions." https://www.aapd.org/resources/parent/faq/
