Baby Tooth Timeline
understanding milestones
Watching your baby accomplish sweet little milestones creates precious memories. Their first smile followed by a silly giggle. The first time they rolled over or stood up. A milestone that is a catch 22 for most parents is cutting that first tooth. Teething can bring discomfort, tears, and some sleepless nights for both you and your child. Then, after those valuable first teeth come in, now it is only natural for you to worry about injuries and losing teeth, or those molars that are not on schedule. Knowing and understanding the baby tooth timeline will help you adjust accordingly. Reducing your anxiety will be beneficial for you and your child.
The entire staff at Smile Time Kids LOVES children. We enjoy their budding personalities and their constant search for answers. We are a compassionate, caring, and patient team when working with your child. Their young smiles are important to us. Call us today at 765-373-3100 with any questions you have regarding your child or stop by Smile Time Kids at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN, 47374.
The Typical First Tooth
The first thing to understand about teething is that while there are “norms,” most children’s teeth erupt according to their own schedule. They can get their first tooth anytime between 4 and 7 months. Specifically, teething begins around 6 months. No reason to panic if they are late. Your child’s schedule for their baby teeth may even be hereditary. If you have concerns give Smile Time Kids a call for a quick evaluation.
The first teeth to arrive are usually the front bottom central incisors, followed by the top central incisors. Those teeth are then typically followed by the central lateral incisors, which are the teeth on each side of the center set. As the teeth continue to erupt, they will usually come in pairs, preserving the symmetry of your child's bite. By the time your child is between 2 ½ and 3 years old, they will have received all 20 of their primary baby teeth, ten teeth on top and ten on the bottom. Little girls usually get their teeth before boys. An interesting timeline to follow is that your child will usually receive about 4 teeth every six months or so for the first three years of their life.
Education
When Do the Baby Tooth Fall Out?
Baby teeth will start falling out when your child is between 6 and 7 years old, and will usually follow the “first in, first out” pattern. That means that your child’s central and lateral incisors are the first to fall out, followed by cuspids, first molars, and second molars. Cuspids, also called canines, fall out when your child is between 10 and 12 years old, and your child will lose their molars anywhere between the ages of 9 and 12.
When Your Child Loses a Tooth Early
Your child may lose a tooth early due to dental decay or an unfortunate oral injury. Baby teeth play an important role in the development of your child’s permanent teeth. They hold the space open for the permanent tooth to arrive later. Losing a tooth early could result in orthodontic corrections in the future. To be proactive, Smile Time Kids might recommend a space maintainer to hold that space open for the permanent tooth. Space maintainers are available in several different shapes, sizes, and types. This allows us to personalize the treatment for your child.
If your child has lost a tooth due to an accident, the staff at Smile Time Kids will treat the injury. To make sure that your child can eat, brush, and floss comfortably.
Make an Appointment for Your Child Today!
Smile Time Kids would like to share the recommendations of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They suggest bringing your child in for their first dental appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts or by the time your child is one, whichever occurs first. We will work with your child and treat them like family. We love happy and healthy children. Afterwards, children should visit at normal intervals just like you would schedule your own dental checkups. Call 765-373-3100 today to make an appointment with Smile Time Kids. Our office is located at 1002 Oak Drive, Richmond, IN 47374. Let us keep your child healthy together.