dental hygiene
Most babies get their tooth at around six months old. But there is a wide normal range so do not panic if your baby is smiling away with a completely toothless grin at seven or eight months.
Some babies start teething early as four months. Others do not see that little tooth until closer to their first birthday. Every baby seems to have its schedule.
What Age Do Babies Usually Start Teething?
The lower front teeth are usually the ones to appear. You may notice a white edge pushing through the gum often after a few days of extra dribbling and chewing.
Yes teething can make babies seem a bit different. Babies may want to bite anything they can grab because pressure on the gums feels soothing. A chilled teething ring can be useful here. Just avoid anything frozen because that can hurt sensitive gums.
Signs Your Babys First Tooth Is Coming
The signs are not always obvious. Some babies barely seem bothered while others suddenly become very interested in chewing the corner of your furniture.
• More drooling than usual with wet bibs becoming a big part of your day.
• Sore or swollen gums around the spot where the tooth is starting to push
• Chewing everything. Your finger included, if you are not paying attention.
• A little fussiness, around feeding or bedtime though teething doesn’t explain a high fever or a very unwell baby.
Which Teeth Come First?
Usually the two lower central incisors arrive first. The upper front teeth often follow, although the exact order is not guaranteed and there can be plenty of gaps between teeth.
So you might see one tooth sitting there by itself for a while. That tooth looks slightly odd. That tooth is also completely normal.
Over the months more baby teeth gradually appear. By age three most children have their full set of twenty primary teeth although the timing varies from child to child.
What If My Baby Has No Teeth Yet?
A baby who reaches its birthday without a tooth is worth mentioning to a dentist or health professional particularly if you are concerned about its development. There is not a prize for getting teeth anyway. I would take a toothless baby over a miserable one with three teeth any day.
Looking After The First Tooth
Once that first tooth appears start brushing that tooth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Use an age- amount of fluoride toothpaste and keep that routine simple.
Because baby teeth still matter. Those teeth help children chew food and learn to speak while also holding space for their adult teeth later on.
Disclaimer
The information shared in our articles is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Every smile is unique, and only a qualified dental professional can assess your individual oral health needs. If you have any concerns, please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist.
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