The development of milk teeth starts from the fetal period.
Evidence of teeth development is visible in the sixth week of embryonic life.
At the time of birth, the baby has 20 milk teeth (10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw) hidden in the jaw bone and under the gums.
Parents usually have different questions about teething time, symptoms, and ways to relieve pain related to teething.
The following content answers these questions to some extent and reduces some of their concern in this field.
Time and sequence of baby teeth eruption
The normal time for the growth of milk teeth in most children is between 4 and 7 months. Of course, the growth time is not the same for all children.
It may happen in some children earlier than this time (3 months old) or later than this time (after one year), which is completely normal.
Usually, the first erupted milk tooth is the front middle tooth of the lower jaw. The growth of baby teeth is usually completed by the end of three years; at this age, the child has 20 baby teeth.
Although the growth time is different, the order of milk teeth growth is usually as follows:
- The two middle anterior teeth of the lower jaw are usually the first erupted teeth and generally occur between 6 and 10 months of age.
- Eruption of the upper jaw’s two front teeth usually happens between 8 and 13 months.
- The front teeth on the side of the upper and lower jaw usually grow between 8 and 16 months; in most cases, the teeth of the lower jaw tend to grow earlier.
- First molars of the lower and upper jaw usually erupt between 13 and 19 months.
- Upper and lower canine teeth usually erupt between 16 and 23 months.
- And finally, the milky second molars grow between the ages of 25 and 33 months
Baby teething symptoms
Babies and children show different symptoms during teething.
In some babies, teeth grow without pain and discomfort, but in others, it is accompanied by pain and discomfort. The following symptoms are usually seen during teething in babies and toddlers:
- Restlessness during the day
- Increase in finger sucking
- Rubbing the gums
- Increasing the flow of saliva and its exit from the mouth
- Some loss of appetite
Since tooth eruption is a natural physiological process, it is not justified to associate it with fever and systemic disorders.
If the child has a fever, diarrhea, and runny nose, especially if these symptoms continue for more than a day, do not consider it a sign of teething, and be sure to consult a pediatrician.
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Tips for helping your Baby Teeth
A cold compress can be used to reduce the pain and discomfort of the baby.
To do this, leave a piece of clean and wet cloth in the refrigerator for a while, then ask the child to chew it (if the child can chew due to his young age).
This procedure reduces the child’s pain and discomfort. Massaging the growing area with a clean finger can relieve the baby’s pain.
There are also unique rubber rings that you can first put in the refrigerator and then ask the child to bite.
If pain and discomfort continue, visit the child’s dentist to prescribe painkillers.
Never use local anesthetic gels for pain relief without consulting a pediatric dentist because these gels, especially those containing benzocaine, have side effects.
When Baby Teeth Fall Out
From age 6, the front milk teeth start to loosen and fall out and gradually replace the permanent teeth. It is normal for front milk teeth to loosen up to one year before this age.
The first loose tooth is usually the middle front teeth of the lower jaw. At this time, it is recommended to explain to the child that tooth loss is a natural process to reduce some of his worries.
Over time and with increasing age, other milk teeth are also replaced by permanent teeth, and at the age of 11 to 13 years, all milk teeth are usually replaced by replacement permanent teeth.
At 6 to 7 years old, the first big permanent molar (tooth 6) grows behind the baby’s teeth. Most parents assume this tooth is a baby tooth because it has not been replaced with a baby tooth.
While this thinking is not correct and this tooth is permanent. Because at this age the child does not pay much attention to oral hygiene, the highest rate of decay among permanent teeth is related to this tooth.
Therefore, note that the tooth that grows behind the last milk tooth at 6-7 is permanent, and you should be more obsessed with keeping it healthy.
Premature loss of milk teeth
Some parents may think that because baby teeth are temporary and eventually loosen and fall out, they are not as important as permanent teeth and do not need care and treatment. Do not forget that your children’s milk teeth are very valuable because they need the strength and health of their milk teeth to chew, speak, and have a beautiful appearance. In addition, milk teeth maintain the necessary space for the growth of permanent teeth and play an essential role in guiding the growth of permanent teeth. As a result, efforts should be made to care for and maintain them.
If your child loses his milk tooth before the due date, take him to a pediatric dentist so that, if necessary, he can place a device called a space retainer in the space of his milk tooth. This device does not allow the adjacent teeth to move into this space and the space is preserved for the replacement permanent tooth to grow. If this device is not used, the adjacent baby teeth will move towards the toothless area and reduce the space necessary for permanent teeth to grow in this area. As a result, this can become an obstacle to the growth of permanent teeth.
A complete set of teeth: 13 years old
Your child will probably have all 28 permanent adult teeth by age 13. His four wisdom teeth fall out between the ages of 17 and 21. Talk to a pediatric dentist if you have any concerns about your child’s teeth.
Are you looking for a dentist in Newmarket who can take care of your baby’s teeth?
If so, you should visit Copperhills Family Dentistry, where you will find a friendly and professional team of dental experts who can provide you with the best dental care for your little one.
Baby teeth are very important for your child’s oral health and development. They help your baby chew, speak, and smile. They also hold the space for the permanent teeth to come in properly. That’s why it’s essential to keep your baby’s teeth healthy and cavity-free.
At Copperhills Family Dentistry, we offer a range of dental services for babies and children, including:
- Dental checkups and cleanings: We recommend bringing your baby for their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. We will examine your baby’s teeth and gums, and gently clean them to remove any plaque or tartar. We will also give you tips on how to care for your baby’s teeth at home, such as brushing with a soft-bristled brush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, flossing between any teeth that touch, and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks.
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel of the teeth and prevents tooth decay. We can apply fluoride to your baby’s teeth during their regular dental visits to protect them from cavities. Fluoride can also be added to your baby’s diet through tap water or supplements, depending on the fluoride level in your area. We can advise you on the best way to provide fluoride to your baby.
- Dental sealants: Sealants are thin coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to prevent food and bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves and causing cavities. Sealants are usually applied when the permanent molars erupt, around age 6, but they can also be applied to baby molars if they have deep pits or fissures. Sealants are safe and effective, and can last for several years.
- Dental fillings: If your baby develops a cavity in one of their teeth, we can treat it with a dental filling. A filling is a material that is used to restore the shape and function of a decayed tooth. We use tooth-colored fillings that blend in with the natural color of your baby’s teeth. We will numb the area with a local anesthetic, remove the decayed part of the tooth, and fill it with the filling material. We will then polish and shape the filling to make it smooth and comfortable.
- Dental crowns: Sometimes, a cavity may be too large or deep to be treated with a filling. In that case, we may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a cap that covers the entire visible part of the tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring its appearance and function. We use stainless steel crowns for baby teeth, as they are durable and cost-effective. We will prepare the tooth by removing some of its outer layer, take an impression of it, and place the crown over it with dental cement. The crown will fall out naturally when the baby tooth is ready to be replaced by the permanent tooth.
At Copperhills Family Dentistry, we understand that visiting the dentist can be scary for some babies and children. That’s why we make every effort to create a positive and fun dental experience for them. We use gentle techniques and child-friendly language to explain what we are doing and why. We also reward our young patients with stickers, toys, and praise for their cooperation and bravery.
If you want to give your baby the best dental care possible, contact Copperhills Family Dentistry today and book an appointment with one of our dentists. You will be glad you did!
