Usually, around the age of six, a child’s primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, start to loosen and fall out to allow permanent teeth to grow, although this process can sometimes be delayed by about a year or so.
As a parent, you may have questions about your child’s tooth development, such as when do baby teeth come in, how many baby teeth do we have, and when do baby teeth fall out. In this article, we will provide answers to these questions and more. Understanding your child’s tooth development can help you ensure that their teeth and gums stay healthy and strong as they grow. So, let’s dive in!
Why do we have baby teeth in the first place?
The importance of baby teeth lies in their ability to assist your child with efficient chewing and proper speech. On top of this, baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent teeth to ensure their proper positioning in the jaw. That is why it is vital to maintain good oral hygiene practices to protect primary teeth against infections, cavities, and discomfort. Additionally, damage to baby teeth can lead to severe consequences for the underlying permanent teeth!
When do baby teeth come in?
Teething is the process in which an infant’s teeth emerge through the gums. It is a normal and natural part of a child’s development, although it can be uncomfortable for them. Teething can start as early as three months old, although the first tooth typically emerges when the baby is between four to seven months old.
During the teething process, the baby’s gums may be swollen, and they may experience discomfort, irritability, and a desire to bite or chew on objects. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to be patient and provide soothing remedies like cold objects to help relieve the baby’s discomfort.
It’s also important to note that every child is different, and some babies may experience teething earlier or later than others. However, if your child has not started teething by the time they are 18 months old, it’s recommended to consult a paediatrician to ensure that everything is developing normally.
Can babies be born with teeth?
Yes! It is quite rare, but babies can be born with teeth, which are called natal teeth.
Natal teeth are more common in the lower jaw, and they are usually not fully formed teeth and may be loose and wobbly, as they have not had time to fully develop roots.
The exact cause of natal teeth is not known, but they may be associated with certain medical conditions or genetic disorders. If a baby is born with teeth, it is important to have them examined by a healthcare professional to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions and to ensure that the baby can feed properly without injuring the mother.
What order do baby teeth come in?
The first teeth that appear are usually the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. These teeth are essential for the baby’s development as they are needed for biting and chewing food. After the central incisors have emerged, the surrounding teeth typically follow suit, with the top front teeth (central incisors) appearing shortly after.
Do baby teeth have roots?
Like adult teeth, baby teeth also have roots. However, the reason why we have baby teeth is that the adult teeth are too large to fit in a child’s developing jaw. Even though they are not permanent, baby teeth still have to perform essential functions such as chewing and assisting with speech, much like adult teeth do, and so they need nerve roots to function properly.
How many baby teeth do we have?
Did you know your child has all of their baby teeth at birth? They’re just hidden behind the gums! That’s right, at birth, babies possess a total of 20 primary teeth consisting of 4 central incisors, 4 lateral incisors, 4 canine teeth, 4 first molars, and 4 second molars. These teeth are distributed equally on both sides of the upper and lower jaws. As your child grows, their jaw will also develop to accommodate their teeth.
When do kids start losing baby teeth?
As mentioned, a child’s baby teeth usually start to loosen and fall out around the age of 6, creating space for permanent teeth to grow. But, in some cases, this process may be delayed by up to a year.
The teeth that are typically shed first are the lower and upper central incisors, which are the two bottom front teeth and two top front teeth, respectively. Following them are the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars, although again, this varies.
Normally, baby teeth remain in position until they are displaced by permanent teeth. However, if a child loses a primary tooth prematurely due to tooth decay or an injury, a permanent tooth may migrate into the unoccupied area, resulting in overcrowding and crookedness of the permanent teeth.
Should you pull out a child’s loose baby tooth?
Our dentists say “No, try and let your child’s baby teeth fall out naturally.”. When a child has a loose tooth, it can be challenging for them to chew, and you might be tempted to help with the removal. Nonetheless, it is crucial to let the tooth fall out naturally. Although the loose tooth may be causing discomfort or sensitivity to your child, it is advisable to be patient and avoid attempting to extract it forcibly as that can make it worse!
Choose Granite Belt Dental for all your family dental care needs today!
At Granite Belt Dental, we have a team of skilled family dentists and therapists who prioritise your comfort and ease during each visit. Our gentle and compassionate approach ensures that your family feels relaxed and comfortable throughout the appointment. Whether you’re in search of a top-notch family dental clinic in Warwick, Inglewood, or Stanthorpe, we encourage you to get in touch with us. You can contact us directly or schedule an appointment online.
