When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

For most babies, teeth start to come in at around 6 months and can last up to 24 months. This process is known as teething. Teething is generally stressful for babies and their parents. During this time, the child may experience irritability, pain, and discomfort due to the pressure and inflammation of the erupting teeth.

When will my child start teething? You may wonder. The simple answer is that it depends! The timing of teething varies from one child to another. Some children may get their first tooth as earlier as 4 months, while others may not get their first tooth until they’re 9 months or older.

Baby Teething Symptoms

In rare cases, a baby’s tooth can erupt without pain or irritability, and you might not even notice they are teething until you spot that tiny tooth. Here are the most common symptoms to tell your baby is teething:

• Drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Irritability and crankiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Pulling on their ears
• Chewing on different objects
• Dribbling more than usual

Types of Baby Teeth and When They Come in

• Incisors

The incisors teeth are located at the front of the mouth and have sharp, chisel-shaped edges for cutting and biting. The lower incisors are often the first to come in at around five to seven months. The upper incisors come through between six and eight months.

• Canines

Canines are pointed teeth located between the incisors and premolars on both the lower and upper jaws. They come in when a baby is around 16 to 20 months.

• Premolars

Premolars or bicuspids are located between the canines and molars and are used for chewing and grinding food. They come in between 12 and 16 months.

• Molars

Molars are located toward the back of the mouth. They are relatively larger than premolars and have a flat surface for grinding. The molars typically set in at 20 to 30 months.

How to Cope with Baby Teething

• Establish good oral habits early: Good oral hygiene starts at birth, even before the first tooth comes in. Wipe your little one’s gums daily with a soft, wet cloth. When baby teeth grow, gently brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a baby’s toothbrush. Remember to use fluoride toothpaste.
• Massage the gums: Gently massage your baby’s gums with a finger or a clean, wet towel.
• Pain relieving medications: You can also try giving your baby pain relievers, such as paracetamol, to help manage pain.
• See a dentist: A dentist can advise on relieving pain and discomfort associated with teething. They may also suggest safe methods to manage teething and check for any potential problems that may arise with teething.

Contact Sweetwater Pediatric Dentistry

At Sweetwater Pediatric Dentistry, we provide various pediatric dentistry treatments, including preventive dentistry and pediatric emergencies. Contact us today to book an appointment with our dentists and find out how we can help keep your baby’s oral health at its best.