Baby's first tooth is one of those milestones that is noted in nearly every mother's baby book. While there's nothing quite so cute as a baby's toothless grin, parents eagerly look forward to those first teeth sprouting up, and later, the first visit from the Tooth Fairy. Like all other developmental milestones, however, tooth growth happens at different times, in different ways, in all babies.
Time Frame
Development of baby teeth actually begins in the womb. Tooth buds, the foundation for baby teeth, develop during the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy. According to Baby Center, one in 2,000 babies is born with teeth. However, first teeth usually pop up when a baby is between four and seven months old. Early teethers may see their first teeth at about three months, and some late bloomers may not sprout that first tooth until close to their first birthday. By the time your child is three years old, he will have 20 teeth.
Order
Teeth usually arrive in pairs. The first set to arrive are usually the center bottom, followed by the center top, though this order is occasionally reversed. The next teeth to arrive are usually on either side of the top teeth, followed by one on either side of the bottom two teeth. Usually, the first four pairs come in by the time the baby is a year old, with the next two pairs arriving between 12 and 18 months, the next two between 18 months and 2 years, and the final pair, the molars, around your baby's second birthday.
Symptoms of Teething
Some babies go through teething with nary a whimper. For others, it's a painful, drawn out process. When teeth are on their way, your baby may have swollen gums, drool excessively, bite, refuse food, and have trouble sleeping. Some babies may develop diarrhea, a rash, or a slight fever as well.
Easing the Pain
Talk to your doctor about giving your child Tylenol or Motrin to ease the pain of teething. Teething rings filled with cold water, or a clean, frozen washcloth may also provide relief. Also try offering a sippy cup filled with cold water.
Tooth Care
Tooth brushing is not necessary during your child's first year, but you can keep his gums clean by wiping them twice a day with a wet washcloth or a gauze pad. When your child is about 18 months old, he can begin brushing his teeth on his own, though he will still need your help to do it properly. Use a pea-sized amount of safe-to-swallow toothpaste and a soft brush.
What's Next
Baby teeth usually begin to fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth when a child is about 6.
When to be Concerned
If your child has not sprouted a tooth by his first birthday, or seems to be in extreme pain during teething, consult your pediatrician.
