There’s nothing greater than watching your baby’s gummy smile morph into an adorable mouth of teeth. And while the pictures will keep you smiling for a lifetime, you may be wondering, “when should my baby get their first tooth?” If you’re worried that a tooth should have already come in, let a pediatric dentist explain exactly what and when to expect those first primary teeth to come through.
When Should the First Baby Tooth Appear?
Before your child is even born, all 20 of their primary teeth are sitting and waiting to erupt through the gums. Don’t be surprised to see the first one or two make an appearance between the ages of 6-10 months. It is usually the two bottom front teeth that appear first, followed by the two upper front teeth.
You will most likely know when this happens, as your baby will begin the process of teething. Since this can be a difficult time for both you and your child, you’ll want to find ways to soothe their gums and relieve some of the discomfort they are feeling. Your pediatric dentist can provide useful tips to help.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment?
The appropriate time to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment is either right after their first tooth erupts or when they turn one. This is a great opportunity to introduce your little one to the sights and sounds of a dentist’s office without it seeming “too scary.” Your child’s pediatric dentist will gently and quickly check their smile for proper growth and development as well as make sure there are no problems emerging at this stage.
Remember, even if your little one’s teeth haven’t come in by the age of one, it’s okay! This is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Go ahead and schedule their initial dentist’s appointment and let your child’s dentist take a quick look to make sure everything is fine.
Why Is Good Oral Health Important at an Early Age?
Tooth decay and cavities are common among children. Why? Their ability to brush and floss correctly does not fully develop until they are older (around the age of 8), so getting to some of those hard to reach areas can prove difficult. This is why regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months are important in addition to helping your child develop good dental habits from an early age. By showing them how to brush and floss their teeth, they will begin to learn how to take care of their oral health.
Your child’s dentist can provide you with tips and techniques that will encourage and inspire your little one to get excited about caring for their teeth and gums.
About the Author
Dr. Layne Benzley earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University before going on to receive his dental degree from the University of Iowa. He received his pediatric dental specialty certificate from the Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester and has completed all the requirements to be a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Offering high-quality dental care to young smiles, he is happy to help parents and children walk through various stages of oral growth and development. To learn more, contact us at (303) 660-5373.
