When Should My Child’s Teeth Come In?

Being a new parent can be stressful and overwhelming. All you want is for your child to be healthy and grow up to be happy and successful. Nothing is more important than your child’s health and well-being, which is why many new parents may have questions about their child’s health. When it comes to your child’s mouth, you may be unsure when their teeth are supposed to come in and whether or not your child is behind. Most babies will develop teeth between 6-12 months. The teeth usually first to come in are the lower front teeth. Most children have their baby teeth by the age of 3, but there is no need to panic if your child is a little ahead or behind. For other important information or questions regarding your child’s baby teeth, contacting a pediatric dentist is the best way to ease any worry or nerves you may have. 

Facts Parents Should Know About Their Child’s Baby Teeth

Whether you’re a first-year parent or are concerned about your child’s teeth, learn below some helpful facts that every parent should know about their child’s baby teeth!

Children Only Have 20 Baby Teeth 

Many parents may not be aware that their child will not get the same amount of teeth as an adult. Your baby’s teeth may not start to sprout until 6-12 months, so don’t be alarmed if you think it is taking your little one a while. Full development of baby teeth only includes 20 teeth, which is 12 less than the set for adults. The first of these 20 teeth to develop start in the front of the mouth and then work their way back to the molars. Once these fall out, the permanent placement of adult teeth can be expected to start at age five and finish around ages 12-14, depending on each child.

Baby Teeth Cause Teething Pain

When your child’s teeth poke through, especially the molars, the teething process will start. This is an uncomfortable stage for your child as they are experiencing different discomfort and emotions. During this time, it is important as a parent that you are ready for crying, screaming, drooling, ear pulling, and other tantrums. This is your child’s way of expressing their pain. Being aware of this allows you to help your child be more comfortable and at ease during their teething stage. Let your child chew on a frozen washcloth, cold foods, or special teething tools to ease their pain and keep them distracted. The more you know, the more comfortable you can make your child’s experience.

Baby Teeth Require The Same Care As Adults

If you’re a new parent, you may not know how often to brush your child’s teeth at a young age. The easiest way to keep your child healthy is to brush their teeth the same you would as your own. Brushing your child twice daily using fluoride toothpaste will allow them to get the best oral care needed. This helps put them in a daily routine and sets their oral health on the right path at a young age. Their baby teeth require the same care as adult teeth and are also at risk for tooth decay and cavities the same way adult teeth are if not taken care of. Use a soft-bristled brush with a small amount of toothpaste on your child’s mouth and slowly help them brush gently across their teeth. Schedule a routine cleaning with your pediatric dentist to ensure your child gets the correct brushing technique and dental care they need.

Avoid Bottles and Thumb Sucking

Bottles, binkies, and thumb sucking are all comfort for your child at a young age, but hanging on to those habits for too long can put their oral health at risk. Using bottles and sucking on their thumb can cause teeth alignment and bite issues once their baby teeth start to abrupt. Taking away bottles, binkies, and thumb sucking as early as possible allows your child to get on the right path and decrease their risk of braces in the future. Common distractions or positive reinforcement will let you teach your child to stop and break their habits. Keep a close eye on your child’s bite and alignment over time, and schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist if you are concerned about how it looks. 

Contact Us For A Family and Pediatric Dentist in Bedford, NH

For more child-related dental information or to schedule an appointment, contact Jo-Anne Johnson DMD Family Dentistry. Our team of family and pediatric dentists is happy to help the Bedford, NH, community, and surrounding areas with our comprehensive dental care. If your child is above the age of 3 and is looking for their first cleaning or is experiencing dental pain, our team can help. Learn more about our pediatric dental services, and call us at 603-471-6000!