When can I expect my baby’s first tooth?

Many first-time parents aren’t sure when they can expect their child to start cutting their first tooth. Just like other milestones in children, don’t compare your child to any other child, because each develops at their own rate. However, you can use this as a guide to see where your baby stands in comparison to other babies.

Maybe they’re born with it.

Did you know that some babies are born with a tooth or two that have already erupted? They are called natal teeth and only happen about 1 in every 2,000 births. So while it is uncommon, parents shouldn’t be shocked if their baby is born with teeth already erupted. There is no reason to worry about the baby’s teeth, unless there is a problem when it comes to feeding your new baby.

Babies can also have neonatal teeth, which are teeth that appear within a few weeks of being born. These types of teeth are even more rare than natal teeth. These types of teeth often appear quickly, so your baby might not experience any of the normal teething symptoms.

So, when does the first tooth usually erupt?

While every baby is different, most babies will experience their first tooth eruption around six to nine months.

Your baby’s first teeth are normally the bottom two front teeth. Those are known as the central incisors. The next teeth to appear are usually the top four front teeth, which are known as the central and lateral incisors.

A baby’s teeth usually erupt in pairs, or two at a time. Their teeth also normally come in at a rate of four new baby teeth every six months. Your baby will continue to get their baby, or primary, teeth until they are close to two and a half years old. 

A child gets about 20 primary teeth, and they should all have erupted by the time they are close to the age of three, with the molars being the last teeth to erupt in your child’s mouth.

If you are looking for an average time table of when your child should get teeth, here is what a pediatrician or dentist will say:

• 4 teeth before the first birthday
• 8 teeth by 15 months old
• 12 teeth by a year and a half
• 16 teeth around baby’s second birthday

All About Teething

Before your child’s teeth erupt, or break through the gums, they will experience teething, and those symptoms can include the following:

• Chewing on various items
• Crying
• Drooling
• Face rash from excessive drooling
• Flushed cheeks
• Irritability
• Pulling on their ears
• Refusing to eat, or having a hard time eating
• Slight fever of around 99 degrees Fahrenheit
• Swollen or sore gums
• Trouble sleeping

Not all babies will experience these symptoms of teething, but they are the most common symptoms that teething babies have. In fact, sometimes a baby won’t show any symptoms of teething at all and parents will be surprised to see the small white tooth erupting from the gum.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

As your baby begins teething, you might be looking for ways to help comfort them. One of the best home remedies for teething is using a smooth, cold object against your baby’s gums where they are teething. Don’t use something that is frozen, because that is too cold. Instead, use a teething ring that has been chilled, and allow your baby to suck on that to help them soothe their gums. You can also help relieve your baby’s teething pain by gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or knuckle. If your baby is already eating solids, a chilled fruit or vegetable can help relieve some teething pain and help your baby find some relief.

Be sure to visit Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry!

As a parent, you want to ensure your baby’s teeth are coming in properly, so it’s important to make sure your baby has their first dental checkup around the time their first tooth erupts, or at the latest, by their first birthday. The team at Must Love Kids loves our little patients, and we are always willing to answer any questions related to your little one’s oral health. Give us a call today if you have any teething questions, or email us to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Mo and Dr. G  can’t wait to see you!