Baby Teeth: The Foundation for a Lifetime of Oral Health

Baby teeth aren’t important because they are just going to fall out anyway, right? 

This is a horrible misconception, because baby teeth, which are also referred to as primary teeth, are just as important as permanent “adult” teeth.  The age when the first tooth erupts varies from six months to a year and there are 20 baby teeth compared to 32 adult teeth.

So, why are baby teeth important? These teeth serve many purposes: Baby teeth help children eat and speak and help to maintain normal face shape. When a baby tooth becomes severely decayed there is chance damage can be done to the developing adult tooth. Primary teeth also serve as space maintainers, meaning they hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth to erupt. 

If primary teeth are lost prematurely there is a risk for crowding of permanent teeth  or there might not be enough space for the permanent tooth to erupt at all.  This can happen because when a tooth is lost, your child’s other teeth can shift and begin to fill the space.  If your child does lose a tooth prematurely due to decay or injury a space maintainer can be used to preserve the space.  A space maintainer is placed in the child’s mouth to hold the spot where the tooth was lost.  When the adult tooth begins to erupt then the space maintainer is removed by the dentist.  If you have questions about a space maintainer, see your dentist.

When do baby teeth erupt? This varies by jaw, age and sex.  Girls tend to get baby teeth earlier than boys.  The first tooth is usually seen in the lower jaw rather than the upper jaw, and the first tooth to erupt is the lower central incisor at six to 10 months.  The last baby tooth to erupt is the upper second molar at 25-33 months.  Most children will have their baby teeth by age three, however this varies somewhat.

Tooth

Age

Upper Central Incisor

8-12 months

Upper Lateral Incisor

9-13 months

Upper Canine

16-22 months

Upper First Molar

13-19 months

Upper Second Molar

25-33 months

Lower Central Incisor

6-8 months

Lower Lateral Incisor

10-16 months

Lower Canine

17-23 months

Lower First Molar

14-18 months

Lower Second Molar

23-31 months

When baby teeth begin to come in, your child’s gums may be sore.  Here are some suggestions to ease the discomfort: Run your child’s gums with a cool spoon, wet gauze or a clean finger; give your children a clean teething ring.  If none of these options seem to calm or comfort your baby contact your physician or dentist.

The recommendation of the American Dental Association is that your child has a dental exam within six months of first tooth and no later than the first birthday.  At this appointment your dentist can check for decay and teach you how to clean your child's baby teeth. Good oral hygiene should begin within a few days after birth. After feeding, you can wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad to remove plaque. Once your child’s teeth erupt decay is possible, therefore you should start brushing them. Ask your dentist about using fluoride toothpaste in your child under the age of two. Make sure your child spits out all toothpaste and rinses with water. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle.  If you have questions contact your dentist.