Tooth Development and Eruption Dates

Tooth Development and Eruption Dates

Baby's First Teeth

Usually, the first baby teeth to come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. They begin to appear when your child is about 6 to 8 months old. The 4 upper front teeth follow them. The remainder of your baby's teeth will appear periodically, usually in pairs on each side of the jaw, until the child is about 2 1/2 years old. By that time, all 20 baby teeth will most likely have come in. From this point on until the child is 5 to 6 years old, his or her first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth, others don't.

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The importance of Baby Teeth

Even though baby teeth will eventually be lost they are just as important as the adult teeth. They not only hold the space for incoming permanent teeth, but also are important for biting and chewing food, speech, and physical appearance. Early tooth loss due to dental decay can have a serious impact on your child's self-esteem and self-confidence in their appearance. For that reason, it is important to teach your child from an early age the importance of a healthy diet and good daily oral hygiene practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime of smiles.