When do babies start teething. How can parents prevent tooth decay in infants. What are the signs of tooth decay in babies. Why are baby teeth important for development.

The Importance of Baby Teeth in Child Development

Baby teeth play a crucial role in a child’s development, far beyond their temporary nature. These primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, guiding them into proper position. When baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or other factors, it can lead to significant dental issues later in life.

Why are baby teeth so important? Consider the following:

• They maintain space for adult teeth to emerge correctly
• They aid in proper speech development
• They support healthy nutrition by allowing efficient chewing
• They contribute to a child’s self-esteem and confidence

Neglecting baby teeth can result in costly treatments, pain, and even life-threatening infections. Early childhood caries, the most common chronic infectious disease in children, can develop as soon as the first tooth appears. This underscores the importance of establishing healthy dental habits from the very beginning.

Understanding the Teething Process: When Do Babies Start?

Teething is a natural process that marks an important milestone in a baby’s development. But when exactly does this process begin?

Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age, but it’s not uncommon for teething to begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Every child is unique, and the timing can vary considerably without cause for concern.

The typical order of tooth eruption is:

1. Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
2. Upper central incisors (top front teeth)
3. Upper lateral incisors (either side of top front teeth)
4. Lower lateral incisors (either side of bottom front teeth)
5. First molars
6. Canines
7. Second molars

By the age of 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth. It’s important to note that while teething can cause discomfort, it shouldn’t make your baby ill. If your child experiences fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during teething, consult your pediatrician as these symptoms are not typically associated with teething.

Common Causes of Tooth Decay in Babies

Understanding the causes of tooth decay in babies is crucial for prevention. The primary culprit is often the presence of acid-producing bacteria in the baby’s mouth. But how do these bacteria get there?

Parents and caregivers can unknowingly transfer bacteria to babies through saliva. This transfer can occur through everyday actions such as:

• Sharing utensils or cups
• Testing food temperature before feeding
• Cleaning pacifiers with their own mouth

Another significant factor in tooth decay is prolonged exposure to sugary liquids. This often happens when babies are put to bed with bottles containing formula, milk, or juice. Even natural sugars in milk can contribute to decay if teeth are exposed for extended periods.

Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods throughout the day can also increase the risk of tooth decay. The bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, producing acid that erodes tooth enamel over time.

Recognizing the Signs of Early Tooth Decay

Early detection of tooth decay is crucial for preventing further damage and maintaining your baby’s oral health. But what are the early signs parents should look out for?

The initial stages of tooth decay often appear as white spots along the gumline on the upper front teeth. These spots can be challenging to detect without proper equipment, even for healthcare professionals. As decay progresses, these white spots may darken to yellow, brown, or black.

Other signs of tooth decay in babies include:

• Visible pits or holes in the teeth
• Pain or sensitivity when eating or drinking
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent the spread of decay and protect your child’s oral health.

Effective Strategies for Preventing Baby Tooth Decay

Preventing tooth decay in babies requires a multifaceted approach that begins even before your child is born. Here are some effective strategies to protect your baby’s dental health:

Prenatal Oral Care

Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is crucial. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can reduce the bacteria in your mouth, decreasing the likelihood of transmitting harmful bacteria to your baby after birth.

Proper Feeding Practices

How you feed your baby can significantly impact their oral health. Consider these guidelines:

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle
• Limit the use of sippy cups to mealtimes only
• Introduce regular cups for drinking as early as 12-15 months
• Offer water instead of sugary drinks in between meals

Oral Hygiene Routine

Establishing a good oral hygiene routine from an early age is essential:

• Clean gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeding
• Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
• Use a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste until age 3
• Brush twice daily, focusing on the gum line

Fluoride Use

Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. If your water supply isn’t fluoridated, consult your pediatrician about fluoride supplements or treatments.

Regular Dental Visits

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.

The Role of Diet in Baby Dental Health

A balanced diet is fundamental to your baby’s overall health, including their dental health. But how does diet specifically impact oral health in infants and young children?

The foods and drinks your child consumes play a significant role in tooth decay prevention. Here are some dietary considerations for maintaining healthy baby teeth:

Limit Sugar Intake

Reducing sugar consumption is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. This includes not only obvious sources like candy and cookies but also hidden sugars in processed foods and drinks.

• Avoid sugary snacks between meals
• Choose whole fruits over fruit juices
• Read labels to identify hidden sugars in foods

Promote Nutrient-Rich Foods

A diet rich in essential nutrients supports strong teeth and healthy gums. Focus on providing:

• Calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Vitamin D sources such as fatty fish and egg yolks
• Phosphorus-rich foods including lean meats and nuts
• Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables to support gum health

Encourage Water Consumption

Water is the best drink for dental health. It helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, and if fluoridated, provides additional protection against tooth decay.

Timing of Meals and Snacks

How often your child eats is as important as what they eat. Frequent snacking, especially on sugary or starchy foods, increases the time teeth are exposed to harmful acids. Try to:

• Limit snacking between meals
• Offer water after meals to help rinse the mouth
• Avoid constant sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day

The Impact of Breastfeeding on Dental Health

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby, but how does it affect dental health? This topic has been the subject of much research and discussion in recent years.

Contrary to some misconceptions, breastfeeding itself does not cause tooth decay. In fact, breast milk contains factors that can help protect against cavity-causing bacteria. However, it’s important to note that once teeth erupt, any form of milk (including breast milk) left in the mouth for extended periods can potentially contribute to decay.

Here are some key points about breastfeeding and dental health:

• Breastfed babies have a lower risk of baby bottle tooth decay
• The act of breastfeeding can promote proper jaw development
• Nighttime feeding should be followed by gentle gum cleaning
• Breastfeeding mothers should maintain good oral hygiene

While extended and frequent breastfeeding alone does not cause tooth decay, it’s crucial for all breastfeeding mothers to be aware of and follow oral hygiene recommendations. This includes cleaning the baby’s gums and teeth after feeding, especially before bedtime.

The Importance of Fluoride in Preventing Tooth Decay

Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, but its use in children’s dental care has been a topic of debate. So, what’s the truth about fluoride and baby teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It can even reverse early stages of tooth decay.

Here’s what parents need to know about fluoride use for babies and young children:

Fluoridated Water

The most common source of fluoride is fluoridated community water. If your water supply is not fluoridated, ask your pediatrician or dentist about fluoride supplements.

Fluoride Toothpaste

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under 3 years old. For children 3-6 years old, use a pea-sized amount.

Professional Fluoride Treatments

Your child’s dentist may recommend professional fluoride treatments, especially if your child is at high risk for tooth decay.

Monitoring Fluoride Intake

While fluoride is beneficial, excessive intake can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition affecting tooth enamel. Always follow professional recommendations for fluoride use.

Remember, fluoride is just one part of a comprehensive approach to dental health. It should be used in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health in Babies

The health of your baby’s mouth is intricately linked to their overall health and well-being. But how exactly does oral health impact a child’s general health?

Oral health is more than just having a bright smile. It plays a crucial role in a child’s physical and mental development. Poor oral health can lead to various issues that extend beyond the mouth:

• Difficulty eating and getting proper nutrition
• Speech development problems
• Lowered self-esteem and social confidence
• Increased risk of infections that can spread to other parts of the body

Moreover, research has shown links between oral health and systemic conditions. For instance, gum disease has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes later in life.

In babies and young children, untreated tooth decay can lead to:

• Pain and discomfort, affecting sleep and behavior
• Difficulties in concentrating and learning
• Increased school absences
• In severe cases, life-threatening infections

By prioritizing your baby’s oral health, you’re not just protecting their teeth – you’re contributing to their overall health and future well-being. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and a healthy diet are all crucial components of this holistic approach to health.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Baby Dental Care

There are numerous myths surrounding baby dental care that can lead parents astray. Let’s debunk some of these common misconceptions to ensure you have accurate information for your child’s oral health:

Myth: Baby teeth aren’t important because they fall out anyway

Reality: Baby teeth play crucial roles in speech development, proper nutrition, and guiding permanent teeth into place. Neglecting them can lead to long-term dental issues.

Myth: Cavities in baby teeth don’t matter

Reality: Decay in baby teeth can spread to permanent teeth and cause pain and infections. Treating cavities in baby teeth is essential for overall oral health.

Myth: Babies don’t need to see a dentist until they have all their teeth

Reality: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth appears.

Myth: Fruit juice is a healthy drink for babies

Reality: Even 100% fruit juice contains sugars that can contribute to tooth decay. Water and milk are better choices for dental health.

Myth: You don’t need to brush baby teeth until there are several of them

Reality: Oral hygiene should start before the first tooth appears by wiping gums with a soft cloth. Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth emerges.

Myth: Teething causes fever and diarrhea

Reality: While teething can cause irritability and drooling, it doesn’t typically cause fever or diarrhea. These symptoms may indicate an illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

By dispelling these myths, parents can make informed decisions about their baby’s dental care, setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Baby

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Baby teeth are important. If baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth that are left may move and not leave any room for adult teeth to come in. Also, if tooth decay is not prevented, it can be costly to treat, cause pain, and lead to life-threatening infections. 

Tooth decay (called early childhood caries) is the most common chronic infectious disease of childhood. Tooth decay may also be called nursing caries or baby bottle tooth decay. 

Healthy dental habits should begin early because tooth decay can develop as soon as the first tooth comes in. Here is information for parents and caregivers from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about causes of tooth decay, signs of tooth decay, and how to prevent tooth decay. 

Causes of Tooth Decay in Babies

Tooth decay develops when a baby’s mouth is infected by acid-producing bacteria. Parents and caregivers can pass bacteria to babies through saliva. For example, bacteria is spread by sharing saliva on spoons or cups, testing foods before feeding them to babies, and cleaning off a pacifier in the parent’s or caregiver’s mouth. 

Tooth decay also develops when the child’s teeth and gums are exposed to any liquid or food other than water for long periods or frequently throughout the day. Natural or added sugars in the liquid or food are changed to acid by bacteria in the mouth. This acid then dissolves the outer part of the teeth, causing them to decay. 

The most common way this happens is when parents put their children to bed with a bottle of formula, milk, juice (even when mixed with water), soft drinks (soda, pop), sugar water, or sugared drinks. It can also occur when children are allowed to frequently drink anything other than water from a sippy cup or bottle during the day or night. Milk should be served only with meals and not offered throughout the day, at nap time or at bedtime. Although extended and frequent breastfeeding alone does not cause tooth decay, all breastfeeding mothers should be aware of and follow oral hygiene, fluoride, preventive dental care, and healthy diet recommendations.

Signs of Tooth Decay in Babies

Tooth decay might first appear as white spots at the gum line on the upper front teeth. These spots are hard to see at first—even for a child’s doctor or dentist—without proper equipment. A child with tooth decay needs to be examined and treated early to stop the decay from spreading and to prevent further damage. 

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies

Take the following steps to prevent tooth decay: 

• 
  Take good care of your own oral health even before your baby is born. It is important and OK to see a dentist for oral care while you are pregnant.
• 
  Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, it is important to take good care of your baby’s teeth.
• 
  Birth to 12 months: Keep your baby’s mouth clean by gently wiping the gums with a clean baby washcloth. Once you see the first teeth, gently brush using a soft baby toothbrush and a smear (grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste.
• 
  12 to 36 months: Brush your child’s teeth 2 times per day for 2 minutes. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste until your child’s third birthday. The best times to brush are after breakfast and before bed.
• 
  Never put your child to bed with a bottle or food. This not only exposes your child’s teeth to sugars but can also put your child at risk for ear infections and choking.
• 
  Do not use a bottle or sippy cup as a pacifier or let your child walk around with or drink from one for long periods. If your child wants to have the bottle or sippy cup in between meals, fill it with only water.
• 
  Check to see if your water is fluoridated. Your child will benefit from drinking water with fluoride in it. If your tap water comes from a well or another non-fluoridated source, your child’s doctor or dentist may want to have a water sample tested for natural fluoride content. If your tap water does not have enough fluoride, your child’s doctor or dentist may prescribe a fluoride supplement. He or she may also apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth to protect them from decay.
• 
  Teach your child to drink from a regular cup as soon as possible, preferably by 12 to 15 months of age. Drinking from a cup is less likely to cause liquid to collect around the teeth. Also, a cup cannot be taken to bed.
• 
  If your child must have a bottle or sippy cup for long periods, fill it with water only. During car rides, offer only water if your child is thirsty.
• 
  Limit the amount of sweet or sticky foods your child eats, such as candy, gummies, cookies, Fruit Roll-Ups, or cookies. Sugar is in foods like crackers and chips too. These foods are especially bad if your child snacks on them a lot. They should be eaten only at mealtime. Teach your child to use his tongue to clean food immediately off the teeth.
• 
  Serve juice only during meals or not at all. The AAP does not recommend juice for babies younger than 6 months. If juice is given to babies between 6 to 12 months, it should be limited to 4 ounces per day and should be diluted with water (half water, half juice). For children 1 to 6 years, any juice served should be limited to 4 to 6 ounces per day.
• 
  Make an appointment to have your child see the dentist before the age of 1. If you have concerns, the dentist can see your child sooner. Find a pediatric dentist in your area on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Web site or insurekidsnow.gov​. If no dentist is available to see your child by age 1, your pediatrician can look inside of your child’s mouth, apply fluoride varnish, and talk with you about how to keep her healthy.

Remember

Tooth decay can be prevented. Talk with your child’s doctor or dentist if you see any sign of decay in your child’s teeth or if you have questions about your child’s teeth. With the right care, your child can grow up to have healthy teeth for a lifetime of smiles. 

The AAP recommends that: 

• All infants receive oral health risk assessments during well-child visits starting at 6 months of age and periodic fluoride varnish application from the time the first tooth erupts through 5 years of age.
• All children should be referred to a dentist as early as 6 months of age to establish a dental home. If a dentist is not available, talk with your pediatrician about how to maintain your child’s oral health and find a dental home.
• All children in their early toddler years should have a thorough initial dental examination and regular dental care whenever possible.
• Parents should limit food and drink exposure over the course of the day to 3 meals and 2 snacks (with healthy food choices and limited juice). More frequent exposure to sugars in foods and drinks makes it more likely that children will develop decay.
• Parents should brush their children’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as they can see the first tooth coming in (erupting).  

Additional Information:

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Teething Signs and Symptoms – American Dental Association

It’s not hard to tell when your baby starts teething. He or she may irritable during the day and sleepless at night. (And you might be too!) Here’s what to expect and how to keep your baby comfortable.

When Does Teething Start?

Your baby was born with all 20 primary teeth below their gumline. They typically start to come through between 6 and 12 months. Children usually have their full set of baby teeth in place by age 3.

Teething Symptoms

What’s normal?

• Fussiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling more than usual

What’s not normal?

If your baby has any of these symptoms while teething and continues to be cranky and uncomfortable, call your pediatrician.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

Your child may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt. Gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a small cool spoon, or a moist gauze pad can be soothing. A clean teether for your child to chew on may also help. Look for teethers made of solid rubber, and avoid liquid-filled teething rings or plastic objects that could break. 

Also, be aware of what the teethers you choose for your child are made from. Just because something is marketed as a teether doesn’t always mean it’s safe. In a September 2017 report, the Center for Disease Control published a case reporter of an infant who suffered lead poisoning after chewing on a bracelet. The bracelet, which the child’s parents said was a homeopathic magnetic hematite health bracelet intended to help ease the child’s discomfort from teething, had metal beads which contained lead. 

Are Numbing Gels or Teething Tablets Safe For My Baby?

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that parents and caregivers not use benzocaine products for children younger than 2. “We are also warning that benzocaine oral drug products should only be used in adults and children 2 years and older if they contain certain warnings on the drug label,” the FDA said in a May 2018 statement. “These products carry serious risks and provide little to no benefits for treating oral pain, including sore gums in infants due to teething. ” Benzocaine is an over-the-counter anesthetic, which the FDA notes are usually under the product names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase. Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced.

The FDA also urges parents not to use – and dispose of homeopathic teething tablets – after lab testing found “inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, in certain homeopathic teething tablets, sometimes far exceeding the amount claimed on the label.”

“The body’s response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Homeopathic teething products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness, and the agency says it is unaware of any proven health benefit of the products.

“Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using homeopathic teething tablets or gels,” the FDA states.

If you have any questions about how to relieve your child’s teething symptoms, talk to your dentist or pediatrician.

More from MouthHealthy

Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums

Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums

Is your teething baby keeping you up at night? Understand how to soothe sore gums and care for your baby’s new teeth.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Drooling, crankiness and tears can make teething an ordeal for babies and parents alike. Here’s information to help ease the pain — for both of you.

What’s typical?

Although timing varies widely, babies often begin teething by about age 6 months. The two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the two top front teeth (upper central incisors).

Classic signs and symptoms of teething include:

• Excessive drooling
• Chewing on objects
• Irritability or crankiness
• Sore or tender gums
• Slight increase in temperature — but no fever

Many parents suspect that teething causes fever and diarrhea, but researchers say these symptoms aren’t indications of teething. If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or diarrhea, talk to the doctor.

What’s the best way to soothe sore gums?

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these simple tips:

• Rub your baby’s gums. Use a clean finger or wet gauze to rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can ease your baby’s discomfort.
• Keep it cool. A cold spoon or chilled — not frozen — teething ring can be soothing on a baby’s gums. To avoid cavities, don’t dip these items in sugary substances.
• Try an over-the-counter remedy. If your baby is especially cranky, consider giving him or her infants’ or children’s over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).

What treatments should I avoid?

To keep your baby safe, avoid using:

• Over-the-counter remedies, including homeopathic teething tablets. The benefits of topical gels and teething tablets haven’t been demonstrated. In recent years, lab analysis of some homeopathic remedies found greater amounts than labeled of the ingredient belladonna, which can cause seizures and difficulty breathing.
• Teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These pain relievers can be harmful — even fatal — to your baby.
• Teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets. These items pose a risk of choking, strangulation, mouth injury and infection.

Do I need to call the doctor?

Teething can usually be handled at home. Contact the doctor if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable or if teething seems to be interfering with his or her eating or drinking.

How do I care for my baby’s new teeth?

Run a soft, clean cloth over your baby’s gums twice a day — after the morning feeding and before bed. The cleansing can keep food debris and bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean his or her teeth twice a day. Until your child learns to spit — at about age 3 — use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than the size of a grain of rice. Then switch to a pea-sized dollop as your child approaches 2 to 3 years of age.

It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit at or near his or her first birthday.

Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Jan. 09, 2020

Show references

1. Wright JT. Anatomy and development of the teeth. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 23, 2019.
2. Your child’s teeth from birth to age 6. American Dental Association. https://ebusiness.ada.org/productcatalog/product.aspx?ID=96. Accessed Sept. 23, 2019.
3. Nowak AJ, et al. Preventive dental care and counseling for infants and young children. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 23, 2019.
4. Children’s oral health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2019.

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When Do Babies Start Teething?

Snap as many pictures of baby’s adorable gummy grin while you still can. Those little teeth will crop up in the blink of an eye—and you’ll sure know when it happens. Teething can be pretty uncomfortable for babies, and they’ll express it the only way they know how—by fussing and crying and not sleeping.

If baby is showing signs of fussiness, you may start wondering if the time for teething has arrived. So when do babies start teething? The truth is, every baby is unique. Still, there’s a general time frame—plus a few important things that all moms should know to make the process easier.

When Do Babies Start Teething, Exactly?

Babies usually start getting their primary teeth between 3 and 6 months old, says Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, a professor of cariology and comprehensive care at the New York University College of Dentistry in New York City. But it’s quite possible that it could happen later too. In fact, some babies may not get their first teeth until as late as a year old, says Whitney Schutzbank, MD, MPH, a pediatrician at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston.

Genetics play a significant role in determining teething age, says Jeffrey Bourne, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “It tends to run in families,” he says. “Some families have teeth that come in early, some not until later.”

How to Tell If Baby Is Teething

During the teething process, the tooth pushes up through the bone and then the gumline. It’s no wonder it hurts! So the answer to “when do babies start teething?” for your child is most likely when you start spotting a combination of the telltale teething symptoms. These include:

Related Video

• crying
• drooling
• low-grade fever under 101 degrees F
• trouble sleeping
• swollen gums
• loss of appetite

For more details, check out our post on teething symptoms and remedies.

How Long Does Teething Last?

There’s no clear-cut answer to this question, just as there isn’t one for the question “when do babies start teething?” But in general, babies will grow new teeth every four to six months, and they’ll usually have their complete set of baby teeth by around 24 months, Wolff says.

How long does teething pain last?

Good news! Not 24 straight months, even though it takes that long for all the teeth to come in. That’s because the pain flares up only when the teeth are actually breaking through the gums, and it subsides between episodes. So the severe symptoms usually last just a few days, Schutzbank says. What’s more, children tend to get used to the process over time, according to Bourne. While the symptoms are obvious with the first tooth or two, they become milder as baby’s mouth fills in.

What a Baby Teething Chart Can Tell You

It’s hard to know exactly when babies start teething, but the order in which baby’s 20 teeth will come in (or “erupt,” in dental lingo) is pretty predictable. As you see from the chart below, the first teeth to break through baby’s soft gums are the middle teeth (central incisors)—you’ll notice the two bottom ones first, followed closely by the two top ones. The next to crop up are the adjacent teeth, and the process continues to work its way toward the back of the mouth, with the molars surfacing last. Baby’s gums are ingeniously rigged so both the upper and lower teeth come in right and left pairs. “The order supports tooth and jaw growth and helps provide for straight teeth,” Wolff says.

Want to keep track of baby’s progress? Print out our handy teething chart.

Babies are considered late teethers when they reach their first birthday and still have no teeth, Schutzbank says. If that’s the case, talk to your pediatrician. They can assess the situation during your child’s well visit and may suggest a mouth X-ray if there’s any concern.

Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, is a professor of cariology and comprehensive care at the New York University College of Dentistry in New York City. He received his doctor of dental surgery degree and PhD in oral biology and pathology from Stony Brook University. Before joining the NYU College of Dentistry in 2005, he served as associate dean at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine.

Whitney Schutzbank, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston. Her clinical interests lie in newborn medicine and nutrition. She earned both her medical degree and master’s of public health degree from Tulane University School of Medicine.

Jeffrey Bourne, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and has been practicing for more than 20 years. He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Teething Symptoms and Remedies: What You Need to Know

Safe Teething Necklaces Parents Can Wear to Soothe Baby’s Gums

The Truth About the Safety of Amber Teething Necklaces

Teeth development in children – Better Health Channel

The development of primary teeth begins while the baby is in the womb. At about five weeks’ gestation, the first buds of primary teeth appear in the baby’s jaws. At birth, the baby has a full set of 20 primary teeth (10 in the upper jaw, 10 in the lower jaw) hidden within the gums. Primary teeth are also known as baby teeth, milk teeth or deciduous teeth. 

Types of teeth

The names of the different types of teeth are:

• incisors – the front teeth located in the upper and lower jaws. Each incisor has a thin cutting edge. The upper and lower incisors come together like a pair of scissors to cut the food
• canines – the pointy teeth on both sides of the incisors in the upper and lower jaws; used to tear food
• premolars – which have flat surfaces to crush food
• molars – these are larger than premolars, with broad, flat surfaces that grind food.

Teething

‘Eruption’ refers to the tooth breaking through the gum line. In babies, tooth eruption is also called teething. The timing of tooth eruption differs from child to child. For example, one child may cut their first tooth when only a few months old, while another may not start teething until they are 12 months old or more. While the timing may vary, the order of tooth eruption is:

• The two front teeth (central incisors) in the lower jaw are usually the first to erupt. This occurs somewhere between the ages of six and 10 months. 
• The two front teeth (central incisors) in the upper jaw erupt between the ages of eight and 13 months.
• The lateral incisors, which are the teeth on each side of the central incisors, erupt in both the upper and lower jaws between the ages of eight and 16 months. The lower set tends to erupt before the upper set.
• The first set of upper and lower molars (flat-surfaced back teeth) erupt between the ages of 13 and 19 months.
• Canine or ‘eye’ teeth sit beside the lateral incisors and erupt in both the upper and lower jaws between the ages of 16 and 23 months.
• The second set of upper and lower molars erupts between the ages of 25 and 33 months.

Generally, the average child has their full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three years.

Managing the teething process

When babies are about six months old, the level of antibodies passed on from their mother starts to fall, which changes their immune systems. Along with the tendency to put things in their mouths, this makes them more prone to illnesses.  Symptoms of common childhood illnesses such as changes in sleep and eating patterns, fussiness, rash, drooling, runny nose and diarrhoea are often mistakenly linked to teething. If your child has these symptoms, make sure that they are not suffering from other possible causes such as bacterial, viral or middle ear infections. Teething takes about eight days, which includes four days before and three days after the tooth comes through the gum. (You may see a blue-grey bubble on the gum where the tooth is about to appear. This is called an eruption cyst and will usually go away without treatment.) During this time, it can be tough to keep children comfortable.  Some tips include:

• massage – gently massage the gum with clean fingers or a soft, wet cloth
• chilled (not frozen) teething rings or rusks – pressure from a cold object can relieve discomfort from teething. Do not sterilise plastic teething rings in boiling water or dishwater, unless specified by the manufacturer. Be sure to check product information before buying teething rings. Avoid the ones that use a plastic softener called ‘diisononyl phthalate’
• unsweetened teething rusks or sugar-free teething biscuits – these can be given to infants over six months who have started eating solids
• pain-relieving medications – paracetamol is effective for children. Ibuprofen may also be effective, but it causes more frequent adverse reactions in children
• dry the drool – the skin around the mouth, particularly the chin area, can become irritated. Gently wipe this away with a soft cloth throughout the day.

Some treatments should be used with caution or not at all. These include:

• teething necklaces – amber is believed by some people to release healing oil on contact with warm skin. The oil is thought to have a soothing or an analgesic effect. Although amber teething strings or necklaces are designed to be worn around the neck, wrist or ankle, they have been incorrectly used to chew on.  

The ACCC recently issued a product safety statement about the amber teething necklaces, warning of possible choking and strangulation hazards. It advised parents to consider other less risky methods of providing relief from teething.

• teething gels – common teething gel formulations contain 8.7–9.0 per cent of the ingredient choline salicylate. Salicylate is related to aspirin. The use of aspirin for children younger than 16 is not recommended because in some children it has been known to cause Reye’s syndrome – a rare but potentially lethal condition that can cause liver and brain damage. 

Although there has not been a reported case of Reye’s syndrome associated with the use of teething gels, the general consensus in the UK is that it is a risk not worth taking when there are alternatives available. 

Teething gels containing benzocaine are also not recommended for use in children.

Research also suggests that teething gels may not relieve teething pain, rather that the act of massaging it into the gum is what provides relief. 

Caring for primary teeth

Some parents may feel that caring for baby (primary) teeth isn’t as crucial as caring for adult (permanent) teeth, simply because baby teeth are designed to fall out anyway.

However, baby teeth are very important. They enable children to chew food and speak properly, and they reserve the spaces in gum tissue for future adult teeth.

Decay in teeth is preventable. Good oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet, established early, significantly decrease the risk of developing dental decay. 

Tips for looking after baby teeth and developing good oral hygiene habits include:

• from birth – clean your baby’s mouth and gums by wiping with a soft cloth
• first tooth – brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and plain water
• 12 months – take your child for their first dental visit
• 18 months – add a pea-sized amount of low fluoride or children’s toothpaste to the brush, and encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste (and not swallow or rinse)
• two and a half years – begin flossing between any teeth that touch
• four to five years – start teaching your child to brush their own teeth
• six years – switch to adult toothpaste and continue to encourage your child to spit it out and not rinse. Start teaching your child to floss their own teeth
• eight years – allow your child to brush and floss unsupervised. Continue regular dental check-ups.

Decayed baby teeth need professional dental treatment and, in some cases, specialist treatment in a hospital under a general anaesthetic. If neglected, decayed baby teeth can lead to mouth pain, dental abscess, and problems with the surrounding teeth. Severe decay in baby teeth can affect eating and sleep, which can slow growth. 

If a baby molar is prematurely lost (due to severe decay), the baby teeth next to the missing tooth may drift into the gap and create spacing problems for the adult tooth when it comes through.

Loss of primary teeth

From the age of about six years, baby teeth start to become ‘wobbly’ and fall out to make way for adult teeth. It is perfectly normal for a child to lose their first tooth up to a year or two earlier or later than six years of age. Girls generally lose teeth earlier than boys. The first tooth to fall out is usually located in the front of the lower jaw. 

Losing baby teeth can be unsettling and painful for young children. Suggestions for parents include:

• Reassure your child that losing baby teeth is a natural process and new adult teeth will come in their place.
• Use cold compresses or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication to help relieve loose tooth pain. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for recommendations on appropriate medication for your child.
• Offer reassurance – it’s normal for gums to be tender and bleed a little, although some children experience little or no discomfort while losing their teeth.
• Make use of the Tooth Fairy. This mythology has lasted a long time for a good reason. If the idea of getting a coin in exchange for a tooth softens the idea of tooth loss for your child, then go ahead and use it.

Eruption of permanent teeth

Permanent teeth are also known as adult teeth or secondary teeth. The permanent teeth start to develop in the jaws at birth and continue after a child is born. By about 21 years, the average person has 32 permanent teeth, including 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw. (In some cases, the third molars – commonly called wisdom teeth – do not develop or do not erupt. Consequently, a set of 28 permanent teeth is considered normal too.)

At about the age of six years, the first permanent molar teeth erupt. These four molars (two in each jaw) emerge behind the child’s existing primary teeth. Other permanent teeth, such as the incisors, canines, and premolars, erupt into the gaps in the gum left by shed primary teeth. 

Like primary teeth, the timing for when the permanent teeth come through differs from one child to the next. Generally, the order of eruption and rough timeline for each type of permanent tooth is:

• first molars – between six and seven years
• central incisors – between six and eight years
• lateral incisors – between seven and eight years
• canine teeth – between nine and 13 years
• premolars – between nine and 13 years
• second molars – between 11 and 13 years
• third molars (wisdom teeth) – between the ages of 17 and 21 years, if at all.

Mouthguards protect children’s teeth

Mouthguards help protect teeth and keep dental injuries to a minimum, particularly when playing and training for contact sports. All children playing contact sports should wear a mouthguard, even primary school-age children. Professionally fitted mouthguards are comfortable, allow speech and do not restrict breathing.

Suggestions for parents and carers include:

• Avoid do-it-yourself ‘boil and fit’ type mouthguards – they are unlikely to provide effective protection. See your child’s dentist to have a customised mouthguard fitted.
• Make sure your child wears their mouthguard at training and during the game. It may help to talk to their coach about it as all sporting clubs are encouraged to have a compulsory mouthguard policy.
• Update your child’s mouthguard every 12 to 18 months to ensure that it still fits and is fully effective. Take it to your regular dental visit to have it checked for wear and tear.
• Keep the mouthguard clean.
• When not in use, store the mouthguard in a rigid container and away from heat to make sure it maintains its shape.

Where to get help

When Do Babies Get Their First Tooth?

The timing of when your baby’s first tooth comes in can vary quite a bit. When your baby becomes a little fussy, drooling often and wanting to chew on things, your little one might be teething. But while those behaviors can be signs and symptoms of teething, they can very often occur without teething at around three to four months.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “By age three or four months, infants are drooling and chewing on the things they put into their mouths. This is how they learn about the world around them.”

First-time parents might also be fooled if they see tiny white or whitish-yellow dots on their baby’s gums. Often mistaken for the first tooth, these are often instead gingival cysts. They can occur on the roof of an infant’s mouth, where they are called Epstein’s Pearls, and on the gums, where they are called Bohn’s nodules. They eventually go away without treatment.

Baby’s First Tooth

The average age for the first baby tooth is six months, but some infants don’t get their first tooth until they are 14 or 15 months old. Others can begin teething and get an early baby tooth at three months old.

Some babies can even be born with a tooth, called a natal tooth. These teeth often have to be removed, because they can interfere with feeding and the development of healthy teeth and gums.

When the teeth are ready to erupt, the lower, middle two teeth (central incisors) usually come in first, followed by the upper, middle two teeth. Some babies, however, don’t follow this typical order or pattern and their teeth may come in randomly.

The timing of teething runs in the family. So if you or your parents teethed earlier or later, your own baby is likely to follow suit.

After the lower and upper middle two teeth, the lateral incisors, canine teeth, first, and then second molars all follow. Ultimately, your baby will get all 20 baby teeth (also called primary teeth) by the time they are about two to three years old.

You can then expect your child to start to lose their first baby tooth when they are about six years old. They will quickly start to get the first of their 32 permanent teeth at about the same time, although the last of the permanent teeth (the wisdom teeth) may not erupt until the high-school years.

Care for Baby Teeth

While you should be wiping your baby’s gums even before they get their first tooth, you can start to brush their teeth with a smear of fluoride toothpaste once the teeth erupt. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit to a pediatric dentist within six months of getting the first tooth, or by the time your baby is 12 months old.

Proper oral hygiene translates to reduced risk for cavities, infection, or other oral health problems. These can make the normal challenges of teething progress that much more painfully, which will be uncomfortable for both your baby and you.

Symptoms, remedies, and what to expect

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Also known as second molars, 2-year molars are the set of teeth at the back of the mouth. These are wide, flat teeth that are perfect for grinding foods.

According to the American Dental Association, 2-year molars typically come through when a child is between 23 and 33 months old.

The lower set usually appears between the ages of 23 and 31 months, while the upper set typically appears between the ages of 25 and 33 months.

Many toddlers show no signs of pain while teething. However, when these molars come through, it can be particularly painful and lead to crankiness and irritability.

In this article, learn to tell when the 2-year molars are coming in and how to reduce a child’s discomfort.

Getting 2-year molars can cause significant discomfort, and a child may not be able to communicate the cause of the pain.

Parents and caregivers can look for signs of the molars coming in. The child may:

• be chewing on toys, their fingers, or clothing
• be drooling more than usual
• be unusually irritable
• have a low-grade rectal temperature of about 99.0°F or 37.2°C

Two-year molars and dental pain do not lead to higher-grade fevers or an upset stomach. A child with either symptom may have a cold or a stomach-related illness.

A child’s teething symptoms may seem to grow worse at night, when the child is tired and has fewer distractions from the pain.

A child experiencing pain in the gums and mouth may not be inclined to show the area to an adult. Singing a song or playing a game that involves sticking out the tongue and opening the mouth wide can help.

Many simple home remedies can help to relieve teething pain.

The following tips can reduce discomfort:

• Rubbing the gums with a clean finger.
• Having the child hold a cold spoon between their teeth.
• Having the child bite on a cold, wet gauze pad or a washcloth soaked in ice water.
• Offering teething rings for chewing. The rings should be made from firm rubber and should not be frozen. Rings that are too hard can hurt the child.
• Applying moisturizers regularly to the skin around the mouth to prevent cracking and dryness caused by drooling.

Parents and caregivers should always observe children who are using a teething toy, a spoon, or another device to relieve the pain.

Distraction techniques, such as coloring, singing songs, and dancing, can also help to take a child’s mind off their aching teeth.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help to reduce discomfort for 1 or 2 days. Be sure to administer pain relievers that are safe for children, and never give a child more than the recommended dose.

If a parent or caregiver wishes to give the child pain relievers after 2 or 3 days, they should consult a doctor first.

Teething rings are available for purchase in some grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as online.

Medications to avoid

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn against using some medications developed for teething.

Many teething gels and pastes are available. However, the FDA and other organizations caution that these can contain harmful ingredients.

For example, some contain benzocaine, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia.

Also, it is important to watch for signs the medication has numbed the back of the child’s throat. This can cause difficulty swallowing.

Many drugstores sell homeopathic medications that may be labeled as teething tablets. However, the FDA also warn against using these to treat teething pain.

If home remedies are not relieving 2-year molar pain, it may be a good idea to make an appointment with the child’s doctor.

Teething should not make a child feel ill. Speak with a doctor if the child exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• a fever higher than 100.4°F or 38.0°C

These symptoms can indicate the presence of underlying illness, such as a viral infection.

Baby teeth eventually fall out, but they serve an important purpose. They act as placeholders, preventing the permanent teeth from growing in when the mouth is still too small.

Caring for a child with 2-year molar pain can sometimes be difficult. It is important to maintain the child’s routine as much as possible and provide them with plenty of distractions.

Home remedies can help. It is essential to remember that teething pain is temporary and that the child will feel well again once the teeth have fully come in.

90,000 Signs of teething in children and ways to relieve pain

With the birth of their first child, there is much unknown for young parents, so much new things await them ahead. Of course, parents are worried about the baby growing and developing correctly. Gradually, the baby goes through important stages: he begins to smile, roll over from back to side, sleep without waking up all night. Another significant event that parents are looking forward to is the appearance of the first tooth.Parents are worried about the question: “When do children start teething?”

Signs of appearance teeth

You will notice this from the behavior and condition of the child. When teeth are being cut, the child pulls everything into his mouth to scratch his gums. His salivation increases, his appetite worsens, and his gums swell. The kid is naughty and sleeps restlessly.

If your child has a high fever and / or diarrhea, you should make an appointment with your pediatrician.These symptoms cannot be attributed to mild teething malaise. Remember that the child’s immunity is just beginning to develop at this age. Babies put all toys and objects, clean or dirty, into their mouths, so they are at risk of contracting bacteria and viruses.

How to Help Child Relieve Pain

Pediatric dentists have developed a number of tips and tricks to help relieve pain and discomfort in infants.Modern medicine does not recommend applying topical anesthetic gels and fluids to the gums due to the risk of toxicity for children 2 years of age and younger. Another obsolete remedy recognized as harmful to the teeth is to dip the teat in sugar or honey.

Don’t worry, there are many simple and harmless ways to make your child’s life easier. Try giving him a clean teether ring made of sturdy material or a chilled teat. Store spare teethers in the freezer for easy access.Cold foods help to fight unpleasant symptoms if the child can already eat them, for example, ice cream and frozen fruits. Gently massaging your gums will help relieve pain. For severe pain, see your pediatrician for advice on over-the-counter medication for babies. Be attentive and notice which method works best for your child.

Teething schedule teeth

Noticing increased salivation, parents immediately begin to look out for the first tooth in the child’s mouth.The bottom two central incisors appear first when the baby is about 6 months old. However, no two children are alike; the first tooth can appear at 5 months or 12 months. So, the correct answer to the question “when children start teething” is: “any time they want.”

After the first teeth appear, on schedule or off schedule, you wonder when to expect the next. The two upper central teeth erupt between about 9 and 13 months of age. Between 13 and 16 months of age, many babies have four front teeth on the bottom and four on the top.The remaining deciduous teeth, lateral incisors and molars should erupt by the age of 2 to 3 years. It’s a long process, but when it’s over, the baby will have 20 milk teeth!

Important Role Dairy Teeth Teeth

Some parents think that baby teeth are not very important because they will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth. However, this is precisely why it is necessary to take care of baby teeth! They not only make the baby’s smile beautiful, but also help him learn to speak and chew food.These 20 teeth form the necessary space for the development, growth and correct position of the permanent teeth.

The importance of proper care of your child’s teeth and gums from the very beginning of teething cannot be overemphasized. The specialists of the Russian Medical Server consider oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist to be the best methods of preventing dental diseases. The last baby tooth will fall out in a child in early adolescence, about 12 years old.Please be patient and surround the child with care so that this difficult period passes safely.

90,000 Teething of milk teeth in children

Teething of milk teeth in children

The appearance of baby teeth in a baby is a rather difficult process for both children and their parents. As a rule, it is accompanied by reddened and swollen gums, lack of appetite, whims, crying, and often increased body temperature. Many parents will find it useful to know about how a milk tooth is arranged, what is the timing of teething in children, what parents should do during this difficult period.

Terms of teething

From 4 to 7 months, you can see the first teeth pushing through the gum. These are the lower front teeth, which are called the lower frontal incisors. After 4-8 weeks, the upper four incisors, frontal and lateral, appear. About a month later, two lower lateral incisors erupt. The lateral chewing teeth begin to appear next. First the most back, then the penultimate. And finally, by the second birthday, the fangs should already erupt.Most children by this age have a full set of 20 teeth. These are quite general rules, but if your baby has a significant delay in teething – retention, contact pediatric dentistry for advice. This is most common in the canines, but it can also affect the incisors and molars. The norm is a delay in eruption of 1, 2 months.

What is accompanied by the eruption of milk teeth?

From the moment the baby starts teething, you may notice his bad mood, increased salivation and a desire to chew on something.For some children, this process is painless. Others have short periods of irritability, soreness, and disturbed sleep and eating patterns. Teething can be very uncomfortable for the baby and if he seems too agitated, contact your pediatrician and pediatric dentist.

Although weak, swollen gums through which teeth are teething can cause a child to mildly fever, teething usually does not cause a significant fever or an upset stomach (diarrhea).If these symptoms occur, it is most likely caused by something else, and you urgently need to consult a pediatrician.

Teething relief:

• Wipe your baby’s face regularly with a special towel to remove saliva and prevent skin irritation.
• Place a clean, flat cloth under the baby’s head to absorb any saliva that drips. When the napkin is wet, you don’t have to rewrite the sheet.
• Give the child something to chew on. Make sure it is a large enough object so that it will not be swallowed or chewed into small pieces by the child. Special teething rings sold in pharmacies are also effective. Do not buy rings with liquid inside – they will burst. If you are using rings, do not freeze them in the freezer until they are stone-like to avoid damaging weak gums.
• Never tie a teething ring around a child’s neck so that it does not become entangled in the strap.Gently massage the baby’s gums with a clean finger. Tooth gel is often used to relieve teething pain in infants. Its application has a temporary effect.
• Never put aspirin or other tablets on your teeth, or rub alcohol-based solutions into your gums.
• When the child is feeling unwell, many parents give their child paracetamol. Remember that paracetamol is not recommended for children under 3 years old! Be sure to consult with a specialist!

It is extremely important to observe oral hygiene during the eruption of milk teeth, since due to the peculiarities of their structure, up to 80% of pathologies (pulpitis, periodontitis, periostitis) develops precisely during the formation of bite in children.

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90,000 Teething in children

How teeth are cut: the order of their appearance

Every adult can understand what a baby feels when his first teeth are being cut – just remember how the so-called “wisdom teeth” appeared. Swelling of the gums, itching and pain – you must admit that there is little pleasant. Therefore, babies often become capricious in the process of teething.They may lose appetite and sleep, even have a slight increase in temperature.

The earliest period for the eruption of deciduous teeth in infants is in the incisors (front teeth). There are four of them on each jaw. As a rule, the lower two incisors are cut first (at 6-8 months), then the upper central incisors. The teeth appear in pairs opposite to each other, this is important for the formation of the correct milk bite. At 8-12 months, the baby has lateral incisors (first on the lower jaw, then on the upper).At one year old, a child should have eight teeth. After that, there is a short break in their appearance.

Further in the sequence – canines. There are two of them on each jaw. The location and structure of these teeth makes their eruption particularly difficult and difficult for a child. At the age of 16-20 months, the canines will appear on the lower jaw, and then on the upper jaw. Then comes the order of painters (large molars). They begin to erupt at 20-30 months, with each child in its own time. In total, there are 20 teeth in the milk bite, 10 on each jaw: 4 incisors, 2 canines and 4 painters.All of them should appear to be 2.5-3 years old.

Signs of eruption

How do parents know if their child is teething? The easiest way to find out about this is by the child’s changed behavior. He sleeps worse, is capricious. He loses his appetite (he can completely refuse to eat). But these symptoms can be caused by other reasons as well. Therefore, the most obvious sign can be considered a swelling of the gums (a small red tubercle appears on it, which parents can feel rather than see).

The changed behavior of the child is associated with the movement of the tooth in the jaw. He kind of tears the gums from the inside, which explains the unpleasant sensations: itching, burning and pain. To remove them, the child can scratch his gums, pull various objects into his mouth, and bite. You cannot suppress such behavior, you just need to replace unsuitable objects (for example, toys) with special teethers, the task of which is to help relieve the unpleasant consequences of teething.

It is because of the unpleasant sensations that the child may begin to refuse food, especially hot food (increases the pain).A gentle massage of the gums, which should be done before feeding, may help. It will relieve some of the itching and pain.

During teething, the child’s temperature can rise to 38º, but not higher. Until the teeth appear, parents should pay as much attention to the child as possible, distracting him from unpleasant sensations. This will help your baby to get through a difficult time for him.

Change of milk teeth with permanent ones

The eruption of molars begins at the age of 6-7 years.First, the large molars are shown (usually on the lower jaw). Then the scheme of eruption of milk teeth is repeated. The incisors on the lower jaw are the first to change, and at the age of 7-8 the incisors on the upper jaw are also replaced. At the same time, the lower lateral incisors can also change.

At 8-9 years old, the upper incisors will change. It’s the turn of the fangs. At the same time (9-10 years), teeth begin to grow, which were not in the milk bite – premolars. Each jaw has four premolars – two on the left and two on the right.At the age of 12, the canines on the upper jaw will change. At this stage, the formation of the bite height begins, which has both aesthetic and functional significance.

The last teeth (wisdom teeth or third molars) are shown between the ages of 17 and 25. Only after this can we say that the formation of dental arches is completely completed.

During the replacement of primary teeth with permanent molars, it is important to pay attention to the bite. It is easy to correct at a young age, whereas adults will have to correct it throughout their lives.By regularly visiting a pediatric dentist, you will be able to intervene in the process of bite formation in time. In addition, a specialist can control the eruption of deciduous and molar teeth (so that it is not too early or late), give recommendations on how to alleviate the child’s condition, and advise on special baby candles or teething gels.

90,000 Teething in children, what you need to know

All parents know that teething is a difficult period in the life of every child, because he does not sleep well, is capricious and tries to gnaw everything that he can reach.But the most dangerous thing is that at this time the baby is vulnerable to many infections. We will talk about how teeth should normally be cut, why the baby’s body cannot cope with the infection, and what symptoms say that it is time to go to the doctor.

How teeth are cut

Teething is a complex process, because at this time tissues are formed, the roots of the teeth grow, the gums are rebuilt. Moreover, the teeth begin to form during pregnancy, starting at 6 weeks. At about the same time, calcium begins to be deposited in the tissues of future teeth.

Next comes the most interesting thing – teething. It is considered normal if teeth start to cut from 4 to 7 months. But each organism is unique, so everyone’s teeth are cut differently. It depends on many things, for example:

– From genetics. Often the age at which a child’s teeth began to cut depends on when his relatives began to cut teeth – mom, dad, grandfathers and grandmothers.

– From power supply. If your baby lacks vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C or calcium, teeth will start to cut later.

– From the course of pregnancy. If there was fetal toxicosis during pregnancy, this will also slow down the appearance of teeth.

And normally teeth are cut in pairs, that is, the lower central incisors appear first, then the upper central incisors, the upper lateral incisors – the lower lateral incisors, the upper first molars – the lower first molars, etc. But even if the order is violated, this does not always mean any disease or serious violation.

When to sound the alarm

In those places where teeth are erupted, many biologically active substances are released, for example, histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, etc.These are exactly what causes the symptoms that every parent is familiar with:

– Temperature rise. Normally, during teething, the temperature should be subfebrile, that is, no more than 38 degrees;

– Swelling, pain and redness of the gums.

There is a normal child’s reaction to teething. As a rule, the baby refuses to eat, but at the same time pulls toys into his mouth to chew on them. Due to the fact that the child is constantly gnawing something, the nerves of the gums are irritated and a lot of saliva is released, and since the child does not yet know how to control saliva, it flows out of the mouth.Also, the child becomes more excitable than usual – sleeps less, is constantly naughty, becomes irritable.

Life hack: to help your child and relieve pain in the teeth, buy a special teether toy. This toy can be filled with water and placed in the refrigerator. When the baby chews on it, the toy will cool the inflamed gums and thereby partially relieve the pain.

But there are symptoms that parents often confuse with a normal reaction to the appearance of teeth:

– Indigestion – diarrhea, vomiting, loose stools;

– Temperature above 38-39 degrees, which does not subside for several days;

– Cough, rash, edema.

These symptoms indicate that there is an infection in the child’s body that needs to be treated.

Why is the child so vulnerable to disease

When a child chews on something, microtrauma and cracks appear on the gums. The mucous membrane, like other gum tissue, has not yet formed, so infections easily enter the body through these injuries. And since at the age of the appearance of the first teeth – from 4 to 7 months, the passive immunity received from the mother is gradually lost, and its own immunity is just beginning to be developed, the body cannot cope with the infection.

What if the baby has extraneous symptoms?

The only correct option is to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will examine the baby and prescribe tests to prescribe the correct treatment. The doctor will also assess whether the teeth are teething correctly and give useful advice for your child.

Make an appointment with a pediatrician in the city of Sochi by phone 8 (862) 555-27-03, or leave a request on this website.

Useful links on the topic:

Video on this topic with our pediatrician – Gryzunova Svetlana Valentinovna.

Red flags for ARVI

Great Cough Memo

90,000 Timing of teething – Articles

Most parents are very concerned about how teething (and gum) affects babies in their daily lives. Although we cannot fully predict exactly how each baby will react to their first tooth. However, we can learn about the symptoms of teething and how to calm your child during this difficult time.In general, the more we know about teething, the better we can help our babies get through it. Let’s figure it out.

Teething time frame

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How long does teething take in babies?” It is useful to know both the time frame for the appearance of the first tooth and the time frame in which all teeth erupt. In general, teething is an ongoing process that occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months.Although your little one will have twenty deciduous teeth that will appear within two years, teething fortunately only causes pain and irritation when the tooth is about to break through the gum. It is not known exactly how long it will take for a tooth to fully erupt, but on average, experts say it can erupt within 1-7 days per tooth. However, teething symptoms usually only last a couple of days, so if a child experiences discomfort for an extended period of time, it is safe to assume that it is not teething.

Timeline of teething

Most babies have their first teeth erupting between 6 and 7 months of age, but this may happen sooner or later. Typically, your toddler’s teeth are likely to appear in the following timeline windows:

6-7 months

During this time, the process of eruption of the first teeth begins. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two middle teeth at the bottom.Children at this age become more active. They begin to grab and pull objects towards them, transfer objects from one hand to another, and may even begin to crawl. It is important to keep an eye on small objects within your child’s reach, as he will want to put everything in his mouth while teething!

8 to 13 months

Between 8 and 12 months, your baby will have upper central incisors. Also, sometime between 9 and 13 months, they will have upper and lower teeth next to their upper central incisors (these are called lower and upper lateral incisors).In addition to teething, it is important to understand that other important milestones in gross motor development are reached during this developmental window. Most babies are able to sit up, stand up unaided, take their first steps, pick up and throw objects, roll a ball, and grab objects.

13 to 20 months

Typically, between the ages of 13 and 16 months, your baby’s first molars appear at the bottom and top at about the same time. Shortly thereafter, their canines will appear in both the upper and lower rows, between about 16 and 20 months.

From 20 to 30 months

At the final stage of teething, the baby’s back teeth or second molars appear in the bottom row. Although most teething symptoms appear the same in both toddlers and infants, there are some differences as your child gets older. First of all, your little one can now tell you about their discomfort and pain, unlike non-verbal babies. On the other hand, many toddlers will not show any signs of discomfort and will not complain at all of pain when passing molars.For other babies, the pain can be significantly worse because their first molars are larger than their other molars. They may even complain of headache or jaw pain!

Toys that can help

Teething toys – teething toys that help to significantly alleviate the symptoms of teething in children, while at the same time keeping them occupied while playing. Because teething babies are always looking for something to chew on, teething toys are specifically designed to soothe gums and temporarily ease teething.

“6 months? But my 3 month old baby is teething now! ”

In some babies, teeth start to erupt early at 6 months – and these are usually little things that you don’t need to worry about!

Many babies begin to drool more often and explore their world by bringing their hand to their mouth to chew at about 3-4 months. This is completely normal and is often accompanied by teething after a while.

If you suspect that your little lump of joy, which may be significantly less joyful during bouts of gum pain – teething, look for symptoms such as:

• drooling, the surest sign;
• moodiness is, unfortunately, also a frequent indicator of common childhood anxieties;
• a slight increase in temperature of about 37.2 – 38 ° C.

The bottom two teeth usually appear first, so watch out for this area and be prepared for over-attractiveness when they appear.

When your baby has her first teeth, you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also wipe your baby’s gums daily with a clean, damp cloth.

Remember that your child’s pediatrician is your ally! Let him know about your child’s teeth at your next appointment. The doctor can make sure everything is in order and, if necessary, recommend a visit to the pediatric dentist.

It’s actually impossible to tell exactly how long a teething lasts, but fortunately, regardless of your child’s age or teething stage, one of the best ways to help your little one is to provide a variety of fun and engaging teething toys.

90,000 Terms of eruption of permanent teeth in children

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The timing of teething can characterize both the biological and the passport age of the child.The process and timing of teething depends not only on inherited genetic parameters. The timing of teething can be influenced by external and internal factors (climatic conditions, the nature of the diet, the quality of drinking water, etc.). In this regard, in different regions, the timing of the eruption of permanent teeth varies.

In a person, 20 teeth change once during his life, and the remaining 8-12 teeth do not change, they erupt initially permanent (molars).

Until the age of three, all milk teeth erupt in a child, which by the age of 5 begin to gradually be replaced by permanent ones.

There are 20 milk teeth in total: on each jaw there are 4 incisors (4 central teeth), 2 canines (the third from the center or “eye”) and 4 molars (the fourth and fifth from the center “chewing” teeth).

An adult normally has 28-32 permanent teeth: on each jaw there are 4 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars and 4-6 molars.The development of the third molar (“wisdom tooth”) may not occur at all (with congenital edentulous third molars), which is also considered the norm. Another situation is also possible: the “wisdom” tooth is laid in the thickness of the jaw, but never erupts (due to the wrong position or lack of space in the jaw). This situation is very common.

After the eruption of all milk teeth, there are no three (gaps, gaps) between them, which is the norm. But as the jaw grows, before changing the milk teeth to permanent ones, gaps should appear between the milk teeth.This process is necessary, since permanent teeth are larger than milk teeth and if gaps are not formed, then the permanent teeth do not fit in the jaw and the child gets “crooked” permanent teeth.

In parallel with the formation of gaps between the temporary teeth, the roots of milk teeth “resorb”, after which the teeth alternately loosen and fall out.

There is no general opinion about the normal timing of the eruption of permanent teeth, since scientific research by different authors was carried out in different regions and in different years of the last and our century.Here are the norms for the eruption of permanent teeth according to several authors:

Central incisors 5-6 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982)
6-8 years (Kolesov A.A. 1985)
7-8 years (Magid E.A. et al. 1987, Bykov V.L. 1998)
6-9 years old (Calvelis D.A. 1994)

Lateral incisors 7-9 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982)
8-9 years old (Kolesov A.A. 1985, Magid E.A. et al. 1987, Bykov V.L. 1998)
7-10 years old (Calvelis D.A. 1994)

Fangs 12-13 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982, Bykov V.L. 1998)
9-11 years old (Kolesov A.A. 1985)
10-13 years old (Magid E.A. et al. 1987)
9-14 years old (Calvelis D.A. 1994)

First premolars 9-11 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982, Bykov V.L. 1998)
9-10 years old (Kolesov A.A. 1985, Magid E.A. et al. 1987)
9-13 years old (Calvelis D.A. 1994)

Second premolars 9-11 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982)
11-12 years old (Kolesov A.A. 1985, Magid E.A. et al. 1987, Bykov V.L. 1998)
10-14 years old (Calvelis D.A. 1994)

First molars 4.5-7 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982)
6 years old (Kolesov A.A. 1985)
5-6 years (Magid E.A. et al. 1987)
5-8 years (Calvelis D.A. 1994)
6-7 years old (Bykov V.L. 1998)

Second molars 12-13 years old (Vinogradova T.S. 1982, Kolesov A.A. 1985, Magid E.A. et al.1987, Bykov V.L. 1998)
11-14 years old (Calvelis D.A. 1994)

Third molars (“wisdom teeth”) 18-25 years old (Magid E.A. et al. 1987)
18-20 years (Calvelis D.A. 1994)
18-30 years old (Bykov V.L. 1998)

Here is the most common sequence of eruption of permanent teeth:

1. First molars (“sixth teeth”)
2. Central incisors
3. Side cutters
4. First premolars (“fourth teeth”)
5. Canines (“eye teeth”) and / or second premolars (“fifth teeth”)
6. Second molars (“seventh teeth”)
7. Third molars (“wisdom teeth”)

Important! Each milk tooth is normally loosened and replaced with a permanent one

Central milk incisor on the eponymous permanent

Lateral milk incisor on the eponymous permanent

Milk canine on the eponymous permanent

First milk molar to first permanent premolar (“fourth tooth”)

Second milk molar to second permanent premolar (“fifth tooth”)

The first permanent molar (“sixth tooth”) appears immediately permanent in 5-7 years.

The second permanent molar (“seventh tooth”) appears immediately permanent at the age of 9-12.

Therefore, even if your child has not lost a single baby tooth at the age of 5-7, this does not mean that he does not have permanent molars (“sixth teeth”). The appearance of these teeth is not always accompanied by an increase in temperature and general malaise.

Also, do not despair and panic if a child’s temperature rises at the age of 5-7 years and he does not eat well, perhaps his first molars are cut!

A.I. Redko dentist

2013

Terms of teething of milk teeth

How fast our children grow, sometimes we want to stop the moment so much! But there are many wonderful moments ahead of us, and the baby’s first tooth is one of them.

The first tooth usually appears between 3 and 12 months of age. But did you know that in 1 case out of 2000 a baby can be born with a tooth ?!

Some babies may have no problems with teething, while others may show teething symptoms such as excessive salivation.Pay attention to these symptoms.

The development of each baby cannot be adjusted to the general schedule, and the timing of teething is individual. Once your baby has their first tooth, 4 new teeth can be expected every 6 months. Milk teeth will gradually give way to permanent ones. This process starts at age 6 and ends at about age 12.

Most likely, your baby’s first teeth will appear at 4-7 months. The anterior central incisors are usually the first to be cut.The upper incisors appear next.

Teeth can also erupt in pairs, with the upper and lower lateral teeth appearing between the ages of 9 and 16 months. By the age of 2, your baby will most likely have fangs. The last are the first molars, the molars, which usually appear by the age of 3 years. According to statistics, in girls, teeth erupt a little earlier than in boys, nevertheless, by the age of 3, most children already have 20 teeth.

Teething is not a sporting event and your little one will have teeth when the time is right.Therefore, there is no reason to worry if your girlfriends’ babies have already erupted, and your children have not.

Remember that babies can chew even before their teeth appear, so it is always important to remember the danger of suffocation – the baby should be closely watched while eating. Even for toddlers with age-appropriate full teeth, some foods pose a choking hazard. For example, grapes need to be cut into quarters lengthwise before giving to your baby.