Primary teeth, or baby teeth, refers to the first set of teeth that enter the mouth. At around six months of age, an infant may get her first tooth. The timing of teething varies for each baby but the order is generally the same for all infants. After all baby teeth are in, the process of losing them begins. The primary teeth are then replaced with permanent, or adult teeth. Establishing proper oral health care at an early age is important for long term dental health. Baby teeth are not permanent but keeping them clean will ensure permanent teeth erupt in a healthy gum environment.
When Will Baby Teeth Appear?
Iowa Sate University points out that teething can begin as early as three months. Between 20 and 30 months all primary teeth should appear, according to Dr. Greene at drgreene.com. To estimate how many teeth your child should have take her age in months and subtract six. For example, a 10 month-old infant could have four baby teeth. This is just a general estimation. Baby teeth generally appear first in the front of the mouth and fill in until the back molars come in.
At What Age Should My Baby Visit the Dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (APD) a child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears but no later than his first birthday. This is prevent dental problems and identify any issues before they become difficult to manage. Regular check-ups should be scheduled every six months after the first year.
How Do I Care for Baby Teeth?
Beginning as early as the appearance of the first tooth a baby's teeth need to be cleaned. A soft cloth or finger brush are suitable for wiping debris from teeth to prevent decay. The APD suggests brushing or cleansing an infant's teeth at least once per day before bedtime. As your child ages she can be taught to use a child-sized tooth brush and tooth paste formulated just for her. Iowa State University suggests not using toothpaste until your child is two years of age.
When Will the Primary Teeth Fall Out?
Dr. Greene explains that beginning around age six a child's baby teeth will begin falling out. Just like the eruption of baby teeth, the shedding occurs from front to back. Some children do experience mild or temporary discomfort as the tooth becomes loose. Once the tooth falls out entirely the pain should subside. By the time a child is around 13 years old, all of the baby teeth will have been shed.
When Do Permanent Teeth Appear?
Beginning at age six, permanent teeth appear. The adult teeth tend to appear in the order in which they fell out but this can vary for each child. The second molars should appear between 12 and 13 years of age. Wisdom teeth (third molars) may not ever appear but typically come in around 17 to 22 years, states DrGreene.com.
