Primary Teeth

Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. 

Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption vary. 

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Teething

"Teething" is the process in which teeth start to erupt into the mouth. Usually this occurs around 6 months of age. The two lower central incisors are generally the first to arrive. Although this is an exciting milestone, teething can be accompanied by classic symptoms such as irritability, excessive drooling, constant biting of objects, and sore gums. Low grade fevers may also be attributed to teething. Dr. Chang recommends evaluating your child to see if he/she has any other symptoms (ie. ear infections) before associating fevers with the eruption of teeth into the mouth. 

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Soothing Sore Gums

Cold Pressure often helps to alleviate symptoms of teething. A teething ring or a clean dish cloth wet with cold water for babies to chew or bite on often does the trick. Topical over-the-counter anesthetic gels such as OraGel are not recommended. If your child develops a fever or is not responding well to Cold Pressure consider an over-the-counter analgesic such as Children's Tylenol (consult with Dr. Chan or Dr. Chang prior to administering any medications).

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Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues from childhood into early adolescence. By the time kids turn age 13 to 14 most adult teeth should be present in the mouth. 

Teens and Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).