The Order of Baby Teeth
20 baby teeth will erupt over the first several years of your child's life. The central incisors are the first of these teeth to erupt, followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, cuspids or canines, and lastly the second molars.
Timing of Baby Teeth
While it is traditional for kids to get their first tooth by the time they are six months old, it is not uncommon for some kids to get their first tooth later. Your child may not get their first tooth until they are 12 months old because girls tend to have their teeth come in a little earlier than boys do. Your children's genetics may have some influence over the age and rate at which they develop teeth.
Signs Something is Wrong
Children should start seeing a dentist by the time their first tooth comes in or by the time they turn one – whichever comes first. A pediatrician or dentist will be able to tell you what is normal and what is cause for concern.
A bigger issue to look out for than timing and order of teeth is the spacing in which they come in and prevent oral health issues. If your child’s teeth are too close together, this could mean there won’t be enough space for their permanent teeth to come in or they could become crooked or overcrowded.
Baby teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities than adult teeth, so you should pay close attention to any early tooth loss, gum disease, and decay symptoms. Around the age of six, your child will lose their first set of baby teeth to make place for permanent ones. You should be cautious about losing teeth too soon, too. Your youngster could require space maintainers until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt if a tooth is lost too soon.
Early Detection & Prevention With 24/7 Local Dentist, PLC Pediatric Dentistry
If your child’s first teeth have just come in or they are at least 1 year old and have yet to attend their first dental visit, contact us at 24/7 Local Dentist today! Take your child for their first checkup or dental cleaning.
