A child's baby teeth, also called his primary teeth, are just as important as his future adult teeth, according to the American Dental Association, or ADA. Primary teeth will help your child communicate and chew food, and they will hold space in his mouth for his adult teeth. If he still has a mouth full of gums, don't expect him to get all of his teeth at once. His teeth will erupt gradually but likely in a predictable fashion.
Age at Eruption
Your baby's primary teeth developed when she was still in the womb, but only about one in 2,000 babies is born with any teeth, according to the BabyCenter website. Most babies' first teeth don't erupt until they are about 6 months old; the teeth that most commonly appear around this time are the two bottom front teeth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. After the bottom two come, the top four front teeth usually appear followed by other teeth, until 10 teeth are in the upper jaw and 10 are in the lower jaw between ages of 2 1/2 and 3.
Trends
After your baby's first teeth erupt, you should see approximately four teeth erupt for every 6 months of life, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Teeth in both jaws usually show up in pairs---on each side of the mouth---and primary teeth are generally smaller and whiter than permanent teeth. Also, girls usually have teeth earlier than boys.
Teething
When your baby's teeth erupt, they may cause your baby to have sore or sensitive gums. Other signs and symptoms of teething are gum swelling, irritability, fussiness, refusing food, sleep problems and biting behavior, according to BabyCenter. The ADA recommends gently rubbing a clean finger, wet gauze or a cool spoon over your baby's gums or giving him a clean teething ring for relief. If your baby continues to experience pain, your doctor or dentist may recommend another method of pain relief.
First Examination
A dentist should examine your baby within 6 months after her first tooth erupts and no later than her first birthday, says the ADA. The dentist will check your baby for tooth decay and other dental problems, give you tips on cleaning your baby's teeth and instruct you on evaluating potentially harmful habits such as thumb sucking.
When to Call a Doctor
If you still don't see any teeth in your baby's mouth by his first year, mention it to your doctor at your baby's 12-month checkup, says BabyCenter. The doctor may rule out any problems or causes. For example, premature babies sometimes lag behind in getting their first teeth.
