Baby teeth actually form before your baby is born, and these twenty teeth wait under the gums until the teething process begins. And even though there are no firm and fast dates for each of these primary teeth to erupt, it’s helpful to have a general overview of typical teething patterns so you know what to look forward to.
Incisors
These little teeth are very sharp and will often come in first. The tiny incisors are made to bite into foods. You might notice this when you introduce solid foods, even if the majority of your child’s “chewing” is done with his/her back gums. These teeth are the earliest to arrive.
- 6-10 months old: The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) are often the first to come in.
- 8-12 months old: The upper incisors are the next to show.
- 9-13 months old: The upper lateral incisors on each side of the front teeth arrive.
- 10-16 months old: The lower lateral incisors appear.
First Molar
Because these are larger teeth, babies often experience more teething pain at this time. The large flat surface of each molar is used to grind and crush certain foods that are tough to chew otherwise, such as seeds and hardy grains.
- 13-19 months old: You can generally expect to see the upper first molars arrive.
- 14-18 months old: The lower first molars appear.
Canines (Cuspids)
Canines are sharp, pointy teeth that are used to bite and tear denser foods. Canines are at the corner of the mouth, bridging the front teeth with the back. They also help align the jaw when you close your mouth, keep your face shape, and help you speak.
- 16-22 months old: The upper two canines make their way into the space between the incisors and the first molars.
- 17-23 months old: The two lower canines appear.
Second Molars
By the age of three, most children have a full set of baby teeth.
- 23-31 months old: The second pair of bottom molars start erupting
- 25-33 months old: The upper second molars come in completing your child’s set of teeth.
Babies should have their first dental appointment within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. For further information or to schedule your child’s first dental appointment, please call Dr. Moradzadeh of Crystal Dental, leading pediatric dentist in Los Angeles at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com to learn more.
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