Everything You Need to Know About Baby Teeth

Ah, baby teeth! Their appearance marks the beginning of an important stage for your baby, but their eruption can also cause some discomfort. How can you relieve teething and when should you schedule a dental visit?

Baby teeth: here’s everything you need to know.

When and in what order do baby teeth appear?

When the first teeth come in, we often say that the child is “teething,” which isn’t entirely accurate since it’s actually the eruption of the teeth. And while every child develops at their own pace, this eruption usually follows a specific timeline.

Average age of baby teeth appearance

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, typically begin to emerge in babies between 4 and 14 months.

• Lower central incisors: between 6 and 10 months.
• Upper central incisors: between 8 and 12 months.
• Lateral incisors: between 9 and 16 months.
• First molars: between 13 and 19 months.
• Canines: between 16 and 23 months.
• Second molars: between 23 and 33 months.

By age 3, most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth.

Transition to permanent teeth

The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth generally begins around age 5 or 6. This process can extend into adolescence. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

• Incisors are usually the first to be replaced, followed by molars and canines.
• Baby teeth begin to loosen; a wiggly tooth is often a sign that a permanent tooth is ready to take its place.

Good to know: it’s important not to pull out teeth too early. If a baby tooth is too resistant, it’s best to consult a dentist for professional advice.

The importance of baby teeth for development

Although temporary, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s overall development.

Role in chewing and speech

Baby teeth allow your child to chew food properly, which is essential for good digestion and nutrient absorption. Incisors and canines help cut food, while molars are used for grinding. Effective chewing also helps develop jaw muscles, preparing the way for permanent teeth.

Baby teeth are also key to speech development as they help articulate sounds and words, supporting language learning. For example, incisors are involved in producing sounds like « s » and « f ». A healthy set of teeth helps your child speak clearly and be understood.

Impact on jaw development

Baby teeth act as guides for the alignment of permanent teeth. They hold space in the jaw, ensuring it develops properly. Without them, gums might recede or develop unevenly, which could lead to orthodontic issues later on.

Additionally, these temporary teeth stimulate jawbone growth. They help maintain the necessary spacing for permanent teeth, reducing the risk of crowding. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular dentist visits to monitor jaw development and intervene if needed.

How to soothe teething pain?

Teething can come with discomfort and pain. Here are some tips to relieve teething and make the process easier for your baby.

• Cold therapy: offer a teething ring or textured toy that has been chilled in the fridge. Cold helps soothe the gums. Avoid freezing to prevent cold burns.
• Gentle massages: gently massage your baby’s gums with a cold washcloth or reusable wipe. You can also use a silicone finger toothbrush or apply a soothing balm made for teething.
• Foot reflexology: massage the base of your baby’s toenails using small circular motions to help ease dental pain. Feel free to check out our practical guides on the app.
• Appropriate foods: offer cold purees, breast milk popsicles, or fresh fruit for babies who’ve started solid foods. Cold foods can help reduce inflammation.
• Cuddles and babywearing: sometimes emotional comfort is just as important as physical relief. Don’t hesitate to cuddle or carry your baby when teething pain kicks in.
• Homeopathy and medication: some parents choose homeopathy, others opt for medications like paracetamol. In all cases, consult your doctor first.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

Care and hygiene of baby teeth

Even though they’re temporary, baby teeth require careful attention to ensure good oral health and prevent cavities. Here are some tips.

Brushing techniques

Learning to brush teeth is an important milestone. As soon as the first teeth appear, it’s important to establish good brushing habits. Here are some recommendations:

• Start early: begin brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm) once or twice a day as soon as the first tooth erupts.
• From age 3: use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm) twice a day.
• From age 6+: use toothpaste with 1000–1500 ppm fluoride, brushing 2–3 times daily.
• Brushing technique: have your child clench their teeth and say « eee » while brushing. Start with upper teeth, then lower. Use circular motions for incisors and canines, and pay attention to molars, which are prone to cavities. Brush for 2 minutes.

Until age 5, an adult should do the brushing. Then, until 7–8 years old, brushing should be supervised.

To encourage your child through imitation, you can brush your teeth together as a family — it’s fun and effective!

The importance of dental visits

Regular dentist visits help monitor baby teeth health and prevent future issues.

• First visit: recommended by age 3. This initial visit helps your child get used to the dental setting and allows a check on jaw position and general oral health.
• Regular check-ups: biannual visits help detect early cavities and other problems.
• Personalized advice: your dentist can provide brushing and hygiene tips tailored to your child’s age and needs.

Baby tooth cavities

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues in children. Baby teeth, despite being temporary, are especially vulnerable to decay due to thinner enamel. Here are some risk factors and solutions:

• Causes: frequent sugary drinks like bottles of milk or juice at bedtime can lead to cavities. Molars and incisors are often most affected.
• Prevention: establish good brushing habits early. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your child’s teeth twice a day. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Treatment: if decay appears, see a dentist promptly to assess and treat as needed.

Falls involving baby teeth

Although they’re not permanent, a fall involving baby teeth must be monitored — initially at home and then by a dentist within the day if:

• the tooth is loose, the child is in significant pain, or has trouble closing their mouth,
• the tooth is fractured and bleeding, or very painful,
• a permanent tooth has been pushed in,
• a permanent tooth was completely knocked out or a large fragment broke off (see a dentist within the hour).

Make an appointment within 24–48 hours (up to one week) if:

• the impacted tooth is cracked or painful,
• the tooth is broken but not bleeding,
• the baby tooth is pushed in,
• a baby tooth was knocked out (don’t try to reinsert it —
• apply gauze to the gum until bleeding stops).

A dental check-up can wait up to a week if the tooth is only sore when tapped. In any case, if your child is in distress or you are concerned, consult a healthcare professional.

Although temporary, baby teeth play a key role in chewing, speech, and the alignment of future permanent teeth. It’s important to care for them and visit the dentist regularly. If you have doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

Photos: buregina | insidecreativehouse | nastuffa | westend61 | Kinek00 | NadezhdaNovikova

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May ES/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.