As a new parent, understanding what to expect when your baby starts teething is essential. While teething is a natural process, it may cause discomfort and irritability for your little one. In this blog post, we'll cover which baby teeth erupt first, how to soothe any associated discomfort, and why prioritizing oral health for your child should be top of mind.
What Are Baby Teeth (Primary Teeth)?
Baby teeth, commonly known as “primary teeth,” are the first set of teeth that your child will develop after conception and during gestation. Once birth occurs, these primary teeth start emerging between 4-6 months of age, and the first set consists of 20 teeth with 10 upper and 10 lower.
What Baby Teeth Erupt First?
On average, two bottom front teeth (central incisors) usually emerge first, followed by their counterparts at the top front (central incisors). Next comes four front teeth alongside central incisors (lateral incisors), then first molars, and, finally, canines and second molars erupting as permanent structures. Every child is unique, so the timing and order of teething may differ accordingly. Some babies may exhibit symptoms before even getting their first tooth.
How to Alleviate Teething Pain
Teething symptoms include drooling, red and swollen gums, fussiness, trouble sleeping or eating, and difficulty with sleeping or eating. There are numerous ways you can alleviate teething pain for your baby:
- Rubbing their gums gently with clean fingers or a cool damp cloth to soothe their gums
- Offering a teething ring/toy for them to chew on (rather than directly rub their gums with clean fingers)
- Offering cold, wet washcloths to your baby to chew on
- Offering soft foods like mashed bananas or chilled applesauce as cold therapies
- Using infant pain relief medication with guidance from a pediatrician
Why Is It Essential to Prioritize Your Child's Oral Health?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, children should visit a dentist by age one or within six months after their first tooth emerges. Scheduling regular checkups early can help detect potential issues promptly and help ward off more serious dental issues later in life.
Baby teeth play a critical role in your child's overall health and development. They facilitate chewing and speech development as well as provide space for adult teeth to erupt properly.
Prioritize your child's oral health beyond regular dental checkups by instilling good dental hygiene habits early. This means brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary drinks and snacks, and encouraging healthier dental habits.
Knowing which baby teeth emerge first and how to soothe any teething pain can help you prepare your child for this important milestone in their development. Focusing on improving oral hygiene from an early age is crucial to avoid potential dental issues later.
Remember, it's never too early or late for your child's first dental visit. By following these tips and actively engaging in their dental care, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.