Every parent has experienced the dreaded days of teething. Knowing what to expect with your child’s teething milestones goes a long way towards a parent’s peace of mind. At Spokane Dental we love seeing our young patients and supporting families in their oral health journey. This blog post will break down the teething timeline, what you can expect at each stage, and how to keep those new teeth healthy and strong.

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The Tooth Eruption Timeline: What to Expect and When

Teething is an important developmental milestone and while every child is different, there’s a general timeline most kids follow when it comes to tooth eruption. Here’s a quick overview of when the primary dentition (baby teeth) typically make their debut:

1. Around 6 Months: The First Tooth Erupts

   The teething journey usually begins around 6 months of age, although it can start earlier or as late as 12 months. The first teeth to erupt are typically the lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth). Parents often notice drooling, irritability, and a desire to chew on everything in sight as these teeth make their way through the gums.

2. 8 to 12 Months: The Upper Front Teeth Erupt

   Shortly after the lower central incisors appear, the upper central incisors (the two top front teeth) follow suit. This stage can be accompanied by more drooling and discomfort. Keeping a chilled teething ring handy can provide some relief.

3. 9 to 13 Months: Upper Lateral Incisors Erupt

   Next up are the upper lateral incisors – the teeth on either side of the top front teeth. These usually appear between 9 to 13 months. At this point, you might start to see a more noticeable smile as those four front teeth come together.

4. 10 to 16 Months: Lower Lateral Incisors Erupt

Around 10 to 16 months, the lower lateral incisors will erupt. These are the teeth next to the bottom front ones, completing the set of “eight” front teeth.

5. 13 to 19 Months: First Molars Erupt

The molars are the bigger, flatter teeth toward the back of the mouth. These typically erupt between 13 to 19 months. The first molars are essential for chewing and grinding food, so they mark a significant step in your child’s dental development and as well as diet. You might notice your child becoming fussier during this stage, as molars can be more painful when erupting than the front teeth.

6. 16 to 23 Months: Canines Appear

The canines come next, usually between 16 to 23 months. These are the pointed teeth that sit between the incisors and molars. While these teeth help with biting, their eruption can be accompanied by some discomfort and irritability.

7. 23 to 31 Months: Second Molars Arrive

   Finally, the second molars – the last of the baby teeth – usually appear between 23 to 31 months on the lower jaw and 25 to 33 months on the upper jaw. The arrival of these teeth can be challenging, as they are large and flat, which can mean they take longer to erupt.

Tips for Managing Teething Discomfort

Teething can be a challenging time for both kids and parents. Here are some tips to help manage discomfort and keep your little one smiling:

- Use Teething Toys: Rubber or silicone teething rings or toys can provide something safe for your child to chew on, offering relief to sore gums. Some options are able to be frozen, which helps manage pain as well.

- Cold Washcloths: A clean, chilled washcloth can be soothing for swollen gums. Let your child chew on it for comfort.

- Gentle Gum Massage: Use a clean finger or a silicone finger toothbrush to gently rub your baby’s gums. This can provide relief and comfort, especially when teething seems to bother them the most.

- Pain Relief: If your child seems particularly uncomfortable, consult your pediatrician about appropriate pain relief options, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.

Healthy Habits

Once your child’s teeth begin erupting, it’s essential to establish good dental habits early. Here’s how to care for your child’s new teeth:

- Start Brushing Early: Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of training toothpaste. 

- Avoid Bottles at Bedtime: If your child drinks milk or juice from a bottle, make sure to brush their teeth afterward to prevent tooth decay. Never put your child to bed with a bottle.

- Schedule Their First Dental Visit: The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. This visit helps set the foundation for a lifetime of good dental health.

- Monitor Sugar and Starch Carbohydrate Intake: Limit sugary snacks and drinks to help prevent cavities. Also limit starchy snacks like goldfish crackers for the same reason. Encourage water as the primary beverage between meals and snacks.

When to Contact Spokane Dental

While teething is a normal part of childhood, sometimes it can come with unexpected challenges. Contact us if you notice any of the following:

- No Teeth by 18 Months: If your child hasn’t developed any teeth by 18 months, it’s worth having Dr. Smith take a look.

- Signs of Tooth Decay: If you notice white or brown spots on your child’s teeth, or if they are complaining of tooth pain, make an appointment at Spokane Dental right away.

- Severe Teething Symptoms: If your child has a high fever, diarrhea, or severe discomfort that isn’t alleviated by standard methods, consult your pediatrician or dentist.

Understanding when to expect your child’s teeth to erupt and how to care for them is such an important factor when ensuring they have a healthy start in life. Remember, every child is different, so don’t worry if your little one’s teeth come in a bit earlier or later than this guide suggests. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s teething process, your team at Spokane Dental is here to help. Give us a call at (509) 822-5614 to schedule your child’s first dental visit today and let’s work together to keep those little smiles healthy and bright!

Photo Credit: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/mouthhealthy/images/ada_primary_tooth_chart_1110.jpg?rev=d83a0abc6f4742da97aa9674e6317b0e&w=1306&hash=071B072199901207CD5D2A542C824F69