This story was written for our sponsor, North Carolina Dental Society.
Children are born with 20 baby (primary) teeth just below the gum line, waiting to erupt during infancy, anywhere between six and 12 months. This milestone can be just as frustrating and painful as it is exciting – for both babies and parents.
Other WRAL Top Stories
"Knowing what to expect as your child begins teething can prepare you for the symptoms, solutions, and any dental emergencies that may come your way over the next few years as their new teeth come in," said Dr. Shamik Vakil, a pediatric dentist with offices in Charlotte.
The Teething Timeline
Baby teeth begin erupting beginning around six months, first with the lower and upper incisors followed by canine teeth and molars, although every child is different and this progression can vary.
This whole process can last between 20 months and two years. Most children have all of their baby teeth by three years old.
Beginning around six years of age, baby teeth begin to fall out, typically following the same order: lower and upper incisors, canines and molars. This process lasts until pre-teen years.
As they shed, baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. By the time wisdom teeth appear in later teen years, the rest of the permanent teeth are in place.
Symptoms of Teething
The first sign of baby teeth coming is sore gums.
This tenderness can make babies fussy and irritable and can lead to a lack of appetite and trouble sleeping. You may also notice more drool than usual. These symptoms are completely normal.
If your child develops a fever, diarrhea or a rash during teething, these can be signs of illness, and you should consult your pediatrician.
Easing the Teething Pain
Sore gums can be soothed with clean fingers, cool spoons or damp gauze pads.
If you choose to use a teething toy, make sure it is solid rubber and not breakable plastic.
Liquid-filled teething rings should also be avoided. Always note what the teether is made of and make sure nothing contains lead.
The FDA does not recommend over-the-counter anesthetic products with benzocaine for children under two. Be wary if you use these products for older children and adults as well, as the risks can be quite serious and potentially even fatal.
Homeopathic teething products such as teething tablets have not been evaluated by the FDA and are also not recommended. They have not been proven to provide any health benefits and can contain varying amounts of a toxic substance called belladonna.
Teething Hygiene
Before your child's baby teeth begin coming in, you can clean their gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad.
As soon as your child's first tooth appears, you should be guarding against tooth decay. Until they can do it on their own, brush their teeth twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Begin cleaning between their teeth once they have two teeth that touch.
For children under three, use just a small amount of fluoride toothpaste – about the size of a grain of rice. Children ages three to six should brush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Remind them not to swallow the toothpaste as they brush.
"Children should visit the dentist before their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first," Vakil said. "Your dentist will check for cavities and other oral health issues, and will provide instructions for you to care for your child's teeth in an optimal manner."
Dental Emergencies
Cracked or knocked-out teeth, toothaches and objects stuck in the mouth are all considered dental emergencies and should be addressed immediately with a trip to the dentist or the emergency room.
If your child's tooth gets cracked, clean the area by rinsing their mouth with warm water. If there is swelling, you can place a cold compress on the area.
If a tooth gets knocked out, your dentist may be able to save it. Keep it moist, either in your child's mouth between their cheek and gum or in milk, and call your dentist as soon as possible. If you can place the tooth back in without touching the root, you can also keep it moist there until you can get to the dentist.
Toothaches should be rinsed with warm water and gently flossed to remove any food that might be stuck. Avoid putting aspirin on the painful tooth or gum.
If an object gets stuck, try to remove it gently with dental floss, but do not use anything sharp.
Pediatric dental hygiene is just as important as that of adults, but little ones will need some extra help and attention.
This story was written for our sponsor, North Carolina Dental Society.