When a baby is less than a year old, usually about 6 to 8 months old, their first teeth come in. These are the two front bottom teeth. The four teeth across the top in the front will come in next, followed by the rest of their teeth. This process continues until the child is about two and a half years old. By this time, a child should have all of their temporary teeth, 20 of them. It won’t be until they are about five or six years old that their permanent teeth will start to come in, replacing the baby teeth in front of them. The time it takes for a child’s permanent teeth to show can vary by months so do not fret if your child is not fitting the schedule laid out above.
While one might consider a child’s baby teeth a ‘test run’ of sorts, and thus don’t require as vigilant upkeep as their permanent teeth will, the baby teeth are an important part in a child’s speech development, as well as providing a spot for their permanent teeth to come in properly. Keeping your child on a healthy diet, as well as making sure their teeth and gums are cleaned each day properly, are an important part of the overall development of your child as they grow into an adult.
Your child’s most effective care and comfort is our top concern. Depending on the recommended treatment plan, we may refer your child to one of our trusted pediatric partners in the area. If you have any more questions regarding your child’s first dental visit, call us today.