When Will my Baby Start Developing Teeth?
January 12, 2016
Every child develops teeth at slightly different times, but by knowing the typical dental development patterns, you can offer your child some relief as baby teeth come in. At Dr. Angelica Rohner’s Birmingham pediatric dentistry practice, we’re here to help parents care for their child’s teeth developing and maintaining healthy smiles for life.
Typical Dental Development
Depending on your child’s individual development, teeth typically erupt in twos, and the process begins somewhere between six months and a year of age. A standard dental development timeline looks something like:
- 6 to 12 months upper and lower central incisors
- 7 to 16 months upper and lower lateral incisors
- 16 to 23 months upper and lower Canines
- 12 to 19 months upper and lower first molars
- 20 to 33 months upper and lower second molars
Pain Relief Tips for Baby Teeth
Teething is one of the most painful parts of your child’s development, and possibly the most painful part of parenting. While using pain relievers like aspirin or numbing gels may be simple, they aren’t always the best thing for your child. Aspirin is fine as a last resort and to help baby sleep, but numbing gels (even those formulated for infants) should typically be avoided as the effects can be frightening for baby if the gel is swallowed which may numb the throat.
- Wooden teething rings – this is a great, natural alternative for parents concerned about ingredients in plastics. Look into wooden rings specifically made for this purpose in order to protect developing smiles.
- Gum massagers – using a cool, damp cloth to massage gums often provides your child much needed relief from teething pain, and premade gum massagers can also be purchased at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
- Frozen wash cloths – Place a clean, damp wash cloth in the freezer for half an hour, and allow your child to chew and suck on the cloth.
- Wash cloths and frozen fruit – Tying a damp cloth around frozen fruit and allowing your child to chew and suck on the cloth can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and the flavor from the thawing fruit may help stimulate appetite if tooth pain is making it difficult to encourage baby to eat.
Find out More
Contact your Birmingham pediatric dentist and team to find out more about caring for your child’s developing teeth or to schedule a wellness visit today. We love helping kids of all ages achieve and maintain their optimal oral health.
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