A child's first loose tooth is an exciting and anticipated event, a rite of passage signaling her emergence into the world of the "big kids." But long before that first visit from the Tooth Fairy, baby teeth must grow in. Although timing and order can vary greatly from child to child, most kids have all 20 primary teeth by their third birthday.
Teething Age
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), baby teeth usually begin growing in between 4 and 7 months of age, but the timing can vary. Some babies may be a month or two earlier or later. This doesn't signal a health or dental problem. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that baby, or primary, teeth help children chew and talk, but they also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.
Teething Order
The ADA reports that the lower two front teeth, also called central incisors, usually pop up first, followed by the upper front teeth. Then, the lateral incisors, which flank the front teeth, appear; usually the upper ones come first. Next, the upper first molars emerge, followed by the lower molars. These teeth help to grind food, making it easier for babies to eat a bigger variety of foods. The canines, or cuspids, come next, usually beginning with the upper jaw. These pointy teeth are sometimes also called eyeteeth. The second, or back, molars usually come in around a child's second birthday.
Signs of Teething
Occasionally, teething babies may be irritable, cry more often or have a low-grade fever less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the AAP. Some babies drool excessively when teething, and they might try to chew on something hard. Levels of irritability differ greatly from child to child. Some may experience no pain, while some may seem cranky for weeks, crying more than usual, waking at night or having a hard time eating. A tell-tale sign of teething is swollen, tender gums around the new tooth.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Since babies may experience pain and discomfort during teething, the AAP recommends gently rubbing or massaging their gums with your finger. Firm rubber teething rings may also help. Avoid teethers that should be frozen, because these can actually get too hard and cause more pain. Never tie a teething ring around a baby's neck, as it could cause strangulation. The website KidsHealth suggests giving your little one something to chew on, as long as it is big enough that it can't be swallowed and it can't break into small pieces. The AAP does not recommend pain relievers or medications that you rub on the gums, because these don't stay on the gums for long enough and may be harmful if swallowed. Check with your doctor before administering infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your child has a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit or seems especially miserable, call your pediatrician.
Caring for Baby Teeth
According to KidsHealth, practicing dental hygiene with baby teeth is important to establish healthy habits and prevent tooth decay--which can cause teeth to fall out too early, leaving gaps that cause permanent teeth to grow in crooked or out of place. The ADA reports that tooth decay can occur as soon as teeth appear in the mouth. Before any teeth come in, rub your baby's gums daily with a soft, infant toothbrush or washcloth, but no toothpaste. As soon as the first tooth emerges, begin brushing it each day with a gentle toothbrush and water. Fluoride-free toothpaste should be used until your child is old enough to refrain from swallowing it, usually around age 3. By the time all the baby teeth are in, you should brush them twice a day or after meals. Never let your little one fall asleep with a bottle, because this can cause cavities as milk collects around the teeth. The ADA recommends a trip to the dentist within six months after the first tooth comes in, to check for tooth decay and other problems and to demonstrate proper tooth cleaning.
