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Tooth Eruption in Erie, CO
At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, we guide families through every stage of their child's tooth eruption journey. Understanding when and how your child's teeth come in helps you know what to expect and when to seek care, so your little one stays comfortable and healthy from their very first tooth.
Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline
Lower Central Incisors ( 6-10 Months)
The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to arrive. You may notice your baby drooling more, chewing on objects, or becoming fussier than usual as these teeth break through the gums.
Upper Central Incisors (8–12 Months)
The two top front teeth typically follow shortly after the bottom ones. Together with the lower incisors, these give your baby their adorable first smile full of tiny teeth.
Upper Lateral Incisors (9–13 Months)
These teeth appear on either side of the upper central incisors, filling in your child's top row. Your baby may begin experimenting with biting soft foods around this stage.
Lower Lateral Incisors (10–16 Months)
The matching lower teeth fill in beside the bottom front pair. With eight front teeth now in place, your toddler can begin practicing biting into softer whole foods.
First Molars (13–19 Months)
These larger teeth in the back of the mouth help your child grind food. First molars can cause more discomfort when they erupt because of their wider surface area pushing through the gums.
Second Molars (23–33 Months)
The last baby teeth to arrive fill in behind the first molars. By age three, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth that will serve them until their permanent teeth begin coming in.
How Can I Tell if My Child Is Teething?
Tooth eruption is a natural process, but it can be uncomfortable for little ones. While some children breeze through teething with few symptoms, others may experience more noticeable signs.
Common signs of tooth eruption include increased drooling, swollen or tender gums, irritability or fussiness, difficulty sleeping, a desire to chew or bite on hard objects, mild decrease in appetite, and slight gum redness in the area where the tooth is coming in.
If your child experiences a fever above 101°F, diarrhea, or a rash, these are not typical teething symptoms, and you should contact your pediatrician.
Soothing Your Child During Tooth Eruption
There are several safe and effective ways to comfort your child while new teeth are breaking through. Here are our recommended strategies for making the teething process easier.
Chilled Teething Rings
A cold (not frozen) teething ring or clean washcloth from the refrigerator can provide soothing pressure and help reduce gum swelling.
Gentle Gum Massage
Using a clean finger or soft, damp gauze pad, gently rub your child's gums to provide counter-pressure that helps ease the discomfort of emerging teeth.
Safe Chewing Options
For older babies who have started solid foods, chilled soft foods like cold applesauce or yogurt can provide relief while also keeping your child nourished.
Keep Gums Clean
Gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings, even before teeth appear. This removes bacteria and gets your child used to oral care early.
Manage Drooling
Keep a soft bib handy to absorb excess drool, and gently pat your child's chin and face dry to prevent irritation and rashes around the mouth.
Consult Your Dentist
If teething discomfort seems severe or doesn't improve with home remedies, reach out to our team for personalized guidance and peace of mind.
Why Monitoring Tooth Eruption Matters
Keeping an eye on your child's tooth eruption helps ensure healthy dental development and allows us to address potential concerns before they become bigger problems.
1. Early Detection of Alignment Issues
Monitoring tooth eruption allows us to spot crowding, spacing, or misalignment early on. When caught during development, many orthodontic concerns can be addressed more easily and with less invasive treatment.
2. Identifying Delayed or Missing Teeth
Some children experience delayed tooth eruption or may be missing certain teeth altogether. Regular check-ups help us identify these variations and create an appropriate plan to support your child's long-term dental health.
3. Preventing Decay in New Teeth
Freshly erupted teeth are more vulnerable to cavities because their enamel hasn't fully matured yet. We can apply protective fluoride treatments and sealants to shield these new teeth during their most susceptible stage.
4. Supporting Healthy Jaw Development
The pattern and timing of tooth eruption play a role in how your child's jaw develops. Monitoring this process helps us ensure that teeth are coming in properly and the jaw is growing in a way that supports a healthy, functional bite.
5. Building Positive Dental Habits Early
Scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts establishes a foundation of regular dental care. These early visits help your child feel comfortable at the dentist and build habits that last a lifetime.
FAQs: Tooth Eruption
When should my child first visit the dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to monitor tooth eruption, provide guidance on oral hygiene, and ensure healthy development right from the start. Learn more about our care for babies.
Is it normal for teeth to come in out of order? Yes, while there is a general timeline for tooth eruption, every child is different. Some children may get their upper teeth before their lower teeth, or their canines before their lateral incisors. Variations in eruption order are typically normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you notice significant delays or if no teeth have appeared by 18 months, we recommend scheduling a visit so we can take a closer look.
My child's permanent toot is coming in behind the baby tooth. Is that okay? This is a common occurrence sometimes called "shark teeth," where a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out yet. In many cases, the baby tooth will loosen and fall out on its own as the permanent tooth continues to move into position. If the baby tooth doesn't come out within a few weeks, give us a call and we can evaluate whether a simple extraction is needed to make room.
How can I care for my child's newly erupted teeth? As soon as the first tooth appears, begin brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Around age three, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. Start flossing once any two teeth touch each other. Regular dental check-ups and a healthy diet low in sugary snacks also play a big role in protecting those new teeth. Check out our tips for healthy teeth for more guidance.