Are My Child's Teeth Coming In Normally?

During the first three years of your child's life, he or she will get 20 new primary or "baby" teeth. While every parent is excited to see their baby get his or her first tooth, it's important to know how to take care of these teeth. Primary teeth are different from secondary or adult teeth in several ways, so many first-time parents have a lot of questions about them.

To start, it's important to realize that there is no right or wrong order for these teeth to come in. While getting two teeth on the bottom jaw is the most common way for baby teeth to come in, it's fine if teeth appear on the top or even the back first. These first teeth typically appear between four and fifteen months. By the time a child is 7 months old, he or she should have their first teeth. By the time he or she turns 11 months, he or she should have 4 teeth. By 15 months of age, he or she should have 8 teeth. From this point on, every four months should bring four more teeth until a child has all 20 teeth by 27 months. Keep in mind, of course, that this is a guideline. It is normal for children to get teeth earlier or later than this. If your child does not have any teeth by the time he or she is eighteen months old, make an appointment to come into the dentist office.

The edges of primary teeth are usually a lot smoother than adult teeth. This is because adult teeth have a wavy surface that wears down over time. It's also important to note that most young children have gaps between their teeth. This gives adult teeth room to grow in as the child grows up. Primary teeth also have a thinner coat of enamel than adult teeth. This will make them appear whiter than most adult teeth, but it also means that young children are more prone to cavities if the teeth are not properly cared for. Thin enamel is a particular problem among premature and low birth weight babies.

Our Mentor dental office recommends bringing your child in for their first appointment around 18 months of age. Please give us a call for your child's "Happy Toddler" appointment.