Teething In Infants
The first baby teeth to come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about six to eight months old. Next to follow will be the upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2-1/2 years old.
When the teeth first come in, your child may be a bit fussy due to sore or tender gums. You can soothe their discomfort by gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, wet gauze, or small, cool spoon. You may also want to consider a teething ring for them to chew on. If your infant is still cranky or in pain, consult with Kidz-R-Kool Pediatric Dentistry.
At around 2-1/2 years old, your child should have all 20 teeth. The permanent teeth begin to erupt around the age of six. The process continues until around the age of 21.
Permanent Teeth
The first permanent teeth to erupt are the molars and lower central incisors. Permanent teeth that do not erupt above the gumline are known as impacted teeth. Impacted teeth can be quite painful and lead to the development of cysts, abscesses, and other complications.
Not only do baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, but they are important for chewing, biting, speech, and appearance.
For this reason, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene. Once your child’s primary teeth erupt, you should be cleaning them with an ADA approved toothpaste and an appropriately-sized brush. Toothbrushes for younger children have smaller heads and bristles, which allows you to clean their teeth more efficiently.
We can help you prepare your child for a lifetime of thorough oral health practices. Contact Kidz-R-Kool Pediatric Dentistry today.
