Babies develop 20 primary teeth, twelve less than the 32 permanent teeth a healthy adult has. While most babies follow the same pattern with regard to which teeth cut first, some variation is not cause for alarm. Talk to your child's pediatrician if you have questions or concerns about your baby's development.
Time Frame
Most babies start teething between 6 and 9 months of age. The central incisors, which are the front teeth in the upper and lower jaw, are usually the first to erupt. Babies typically cut their teeth in order from the front center of the jaw moving toward the back. A baby's molars often do not come in until the second or third year of life.
Teething
The teething process can be difficult for both baby and parent. While some babies teethe without pain or discomfort, many experience tender, swollen gums as the tooth presses through the soft tissue. Teething babies often drool excessively, and it is important to keep your child's face clean to prevent rashes and skin irritation. Giving your baby something slightly soft to chew on can help numb the pain. Rubber toys and clean washcloths are good choices, especially if you chill them in the freezer for a short period before giving them to your baby. Avoid teething rings with liquid inside as they could rupture and leak or choke your infant. Simply rubbing your finger over your baby's gums can help soothe him as well.
Hygiene
Keeping your baby's mouth clean is important to his future dental health, even before he cuts his first tooth. Use a clean damp washcloth to clean your baby's gums daily. Brush your infant's teeth daily with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and slightly warm water as soon as the first tooth appears. Do not use toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out or until your doctor recommends it. Start brushing your child's teeth twice a day or after each meal if you can as soon as he cuts all or most of his teeth. Continue teaching your child good dental hygiene as he grows up.
Losing Teeth
Most children start losing their baby teeth by the time they are 6 or 7 years old and continue to lose them until the age of 12 or 13, according to MayoClinic.com prosthodontist Alan Carr, D.M.D. Girls usually start losing teeth sooner than boys, and most children lose their teeth in the order they were cut.
Considerations
Teething time frames may be hereditary. If you or your partner were late teethers, it is likely your baby will be, too. As with most things related to child development, there is no specific time that every child should develop teeth. Some babies even begin to cut teeth within the first few weeks of life. Contact your child's pediatrician if your baby seems to be having a particularly difficult time with teething or if he develops a high fever or persistent diarrhea. Inspect your child's teeth regularly for signs of problems. Cavities and other dental problems are often easily treated when you seek prompt dental attention. The American Dental Association recommends taking your baby to a dentist by the time he is 1 year old and has six to eight teeth.
