Baby Daily Life
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Letting baby cry himself to sleep: methods, benefits and limits
Ah, baby teeth! Their appearance marks the beginning of an important stage for your baby, but teething can also cause some discomfort. How can you relieve teething pain and when should you schedule a dentist appointment?
Baby teeth: here’s everything you need to know.
When and in what order do baby teeth appear?
When the first teeth start coming in, we often say that the child is “teething”, which isn’t entirely accurate since it’s actually the eruption of teeth. And even though every child develops at their own pace, this eruption usually follows a specific timeline.
Average age when baby teeth appear
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, typically start to appear 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 the age of 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 the age of 5–6 years. This process can continue into adolescence. Here’s how this transition unfolds:
- Incisors are usually the first to be replaced, followed by molars and canines.
- Baby teeth start to loosen; a wiggly tooth often signals that a permanent one is ready to emerge.
Good to know: it’s important to not pull out teeth too early. If a baby tooth is too resistant, it’s best to see a dentist for professional advice.
The importance of baby teeth for development
Even though they’re 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 crush it. Effective chewing also develops jaw muscles, paving the way for permanent teeth.
They also play a key role in speech development as they help form sounds and words, aiding language acquisition. For example, incisors are involved in producing certain sounds like “s” and “f”. Healthy teeth help your child speak clearly and be understood.
Influence on jaw development
Baby teeth guide the alignment of permanent teeth. They hold space in the jaw, ensuring it develops correctly. Without them, gums may recede or grow unevenly, leading to future orthodontic issues.
Moreover, these temporary teeth stimulate jawbone growth. They help maintain space for incoming permanent teeth, reducing risks such as crowding. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly to monitor jaw development and intervene if needed.
How to soothe teething pain?
Teething can come with some discomfort and pain. Here are several tips to ease teething and make this stage more comfortable for your child.
- Cold therapy: offer your baby a teething ring or textured toy that has been chilled in the fridge. Cold helps soothe the gums. Avoid freezing them as it could cause burns.
- Gentle massages: gently massage your baby’s gums with a cold cloth, like a washcloth or reusable wipe. You can also use a silicone finger brush or apply a soothing balm specially designed for teething.
- Foot reflexology: massage the base of your baby’s toenails in circular motions to help relieve teething pain. Check out our practical guides on the app.
- Suitable foods: offer cold purées, breast milk popsicles, or fresh fruits for babies who have started solid food. These cool foods can help reduce inflammation.
- Cuddles and babywearing: emotional comfort is just as important as physical relief. Don’t hesitate to cuddle and carry your baby when teething is painful.
- Homeopathy and medication: some parents choose homeopathy, others use medications like paracetamol. Always consult your doctor beforehand.
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 journey as a new parent.
Care and hygiene for baby teeth
Although temporary, baby teeth require careful care to ensure good oral health and prevent cavities. Here are some tips.
Proper brushing techniques
Learning to brush their teeth is an important step for your child. As soon as the first teeth appear, it’s crucial to establish good brushing habits. Here are some recommendations:
- Start early: begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first one appears using a toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm), once or twice a day.
- From age 3: use a toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm), twice a day.
- For children over 6: use fluoride toothpaste with 1000–1500 ppm, 2 to 3 times a day.
- Brushing technique: ask your child to clench their teeth and make an “eee” sound while brushing. Start with the upper teeth, then the lower ones. Use circular motions on the incisors and canines. Don’t forget the molars, which are often prone to cavities due to their deep grooves. Brushing should last 2 minutes.
Until age 5, make sure that an adult brushes your child’s teeth. Then, until age 7–8, brushing should still be supervised.
To encourage your child through imitation, try brushing your teeth together as a family — it’s both effective and fun for your little one!
Importance of dentist visits
Regular dental check-ups help monitor baby teeth health and prevent future issues.
- First visit: it’s recommended to see a dentist at age 3. This helps familiarize your child with the dental environment and assess jaw alignment and oral health.
- Regular follow-ups: check-ups every six months help detect cavities and other dental issues early.
- Personalized advice: your dentist can offer tailored advice on brushing techniques and hygiene based on your child’s age and needs.
Tooth decay in baby teeth
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues in children. Baby teeth, though temporary, are especially vulnerable to decay due to their thinner enamel. Here are some risk factors and solutions to prevent and treat cavities:
- Causes: frequent consumption of sugary drinks, like milk or juice at bedtime, can cause cavities. Molars and incisors are often most affected.
- Prevention: establish good brushing habits from the first tooth. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your child’s teeth twice a day. Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
- Treatment: if a cavity is suspected, schedule a dentist appointment promptly to assess the situation and determine the appropriate treatment.
Injuries to baby teeth
Even though they aren’t permanent, any fall involving baby teeth should be monitored, first at home, and then by your dentist — on the same day — in the following cases:
- the tooth is loose, the child is in a lot of pain, or has trouble closing their mouth,
- the tooth is broken and bleeding, or very painful,
- a permanent tooth is pushed in,
- a permanent tooth was completely knocked out, or a large fragment broke off (see a dentist within the hour if possible).
Book a dentist visit within 24–48 hours (one week max) if:
- the injured tooth is cracked or painful,
- the tooth is chipped but not bleeding,
- the baby tooth is pushed into the gum,
- a baby tooth was knocked out (do not try to reinsert it,
- apply gauze to the gum until the bleeding stops).
You can wait up to a week if the tooth only hurts when tapped. In any case, if your child is in a lot of pain or you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Baby teeth, although temporary, play a vital role in chewing, speech, and the future alignment of permanent teeth. It’s essential to care for them and see the dentist regularly. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult your healthcare professional.
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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.
