When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

The process of teething makes a lot of parents a bit anxious. Not only will your child not be quite comfortable (and they will let you know just how uncomfortable they are, at any hour), but the process itself can be quite confusing.

Why do babies start teething? What do parents have to do to ease the process? How can parents take care of their infants' oral health? Find out the answers and more, in this short post from Willow Pediatric Dentistry!

Baby Teething: What to Expect

Your baby can expect their first tooth as soon as they turn 3 months old, although parents will start to see the tooth beginning to erupt much later, between the ages of 4-7 months.

Usually, the first teeth that erupt will be the two bottom front teeth, followed by:

• The four upper front ones a few weeks after the first two teeth erupt;
• The lower lateral incisors about a month later;
• The first molars and eye teeth appear slowly after that.

Your child will have all 20 of their baby teeth by the time they turn three.

How Do I Know My Child Is Teething?

There are some common signs a baby will start teething, even if you don’t see the tooth erupting yet:

• More drool
• Desire to chew on things
• Becoming more cranky and irritable
• Slightly tender and swollen gums

Teething is not painful, but it is uncomfortable for the child. Luckily, there are some ways parents can help make the process a bit more pleasant:

• Wipe drool off their face to avoid rashes or irritation;
• Rub their gums with a clean finger;
• Giving them a pacifier or something to chew on;
• Talk to your dentist about other possible remedies that may suit your child.

When Should I Start Taking Care of My Baby's Teeth?

You should start taking care of your baby’s tooth when the first one comes in, but you should care for their oral health even sooner than that! Even without their teeth, babies still need to have their gums properly cleaned after every meal with a soft cloth to remove traces of milk.

Once their first tooth appears, you can start gently brushing it with a baby-sized toothbrush and water. Toothpaste is not recommended for infants.

Also, you should find a pediatric dentist for your child and take them to routine appointments even if you don’t notice any worrying signs. This will help you address any dental needs they may have before they become full-blown problems!

Bring the Little One to Willow Pediatric Dentistry

If you have a baby who’s just started teething or a child in need of a gentle and caring Rancho Santa Margarita pediatric dentist to address their need, Dr. Sam Alzayat is at your service!

Book your first consultation at Willow Pediatric Dentistry online, or call us at (949) 966-0669 today!