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Your baby’s growth is an exciting time, but when your baby’s teeth start to develop, it can also be a difficult time, for both of you. Your little one’s teeth form while they are still in the womb, and by the time baby is three, will have developed 20 primary teeth. Ten will line the top of the mouth, and ten will line the bottom, and they will include central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first molars, and second molars.

A teething baby is typically a fussy baby, and just when you thought baby would feel better after a tooth erupts, the corresponding tooth on the other side of baby’s mouth is likely on the way so baby can still be hurting as it works its way through the gums. And by the time your child is six years old, the primary teeth will start falling out as they make room for the permanent teeth. All of the primary teeth will be gone by the time your child reaches twelve.

Signs your baby between 3-12 months is teething:

Ear rubbing
Decreased appetite
Mild temperature- less than 102 degrees
Biting—to relieve pressure on the gums
Drooling—can cause a rash around the mouth
Gum rubbing—to relieve pressure on the gums

Tooth Development:

During your second trimester of pregnancy, your baby’s tooth buds start forming in the gums. As the roots form, they will force the crown upwards. This continuous pressure on the gums breaks down the gum tissue as they get thinner and thinner. Once they break down the tissue they will emerge through the gums.

The first teeth to show themselves are the bottom teeth in the front of baby’s mouth (central incisors). Then, the four upper front teeth (central and lateral incisors) make their debut. Next come the canine teeth, which are the pointy ones between the incisors and the molars. They are perhaps the easiest to break through as they are thin sharp and slide through the gum tissue without causing much pain.

As your baby reaches 12 months, the first molars will arrive in the back of the mouth. The molars can be quite painful, as and may cause the gums to bulge as fluid builds up. This fluid may form a blueish cyst over the molar as it tries to break through, releasing blood in baby’s mouth as the tooth pop the cyst.

How you can help your baby:

No. 1. It may help your baby feel better if you rub your baby’s gums lightly with a clean finger or cold spoon.

No. 2. You can clean your baby’s gums using a clean, damp washcloth. Just run it lightly along the top and bottom of baby’s gums.

No. 3. Brush your baby’s newly erupting teeth after they erupt with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water 2-3 times a day.

No. 4. Take your baby to their first dentist visit by the time they reach their first birthday for their first a checkup.

If you have any questions, please contact our staff a call at 419.605.9818.