Baby's First Teeth

Baby’s First Teeth

Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth – for chewing, speaking, and appearance. In addition, the baby teeth hold space in the jaws for the adult teeth. Both primary teeth and permanent teeth help give the face its shape and form. People usually think of a newborn baby as having no teeth. But the 20 primary “baby” teeth that will appear in the next two to three years are already in the baby’s jaw at birth. Most of the crowns (tops) of the baby teeth are almost fully developed, and the crown of the six year old molar has begun forming.

Baby Teething Cycle

A baby’s first teeth begin to appear as early as six months after birth. The front two upper and two lower newborn teeth usually appear first. When teething, some babies may have sore or tender gums. Gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. You can also give the baby a clean teething ring to chew on. If your infant is still cranky and uncomfortable, consult your infant dentist or physician. Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are three years old. The adult teeth start to appear at about age six. By the time your child reaches age 21, all 32 of the adult teeth, including the wisdom teeth, will usually have erupted if there is room for them.

Preventing Infant Tooth Decay of Primary Teeth

Babies are at risk of cavities, just like adults and baby tooth decay puts children at higher risk for decay later in life with their adult teeth. That’s why it is so important to consult a pediatric dentist about how to take good care of baby teeth. As soon as baby teeth appear in the mouth, infant tooth decay can occur. Decay can start when a baby’s teeth are in contact with liquids containing sugar for long time periods. The liquids that can cause baby bottle tooth decay include sweetened water and fruit juice, milk, breast milk, and infant formula. Tooth decay can happen when parents or caregivers put a baby to bed with a bottle of any liquid other than water – or use bottles as a pacifier for a fussy baby. Infants should finish their bottles before going to bed. Caregivers should then wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or wet washcloth. If you use a pacifier, use a clean one. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey before giving it to a baby. Never put the pacifier in your mouth and then in the baby’s mouth. Ask your pediatric physician or infant dentist to recommend a type of pacifier.