Teething is an essential milestone in your child’s growth. The development of the both baby and adult teeth starts before we are even born.
Typically, the lower and upper central incisors peek through first between 4 and 8 months of age, followed by the first set of baby molars, then canines, then the second molars. By the age of 3, most children will have all 20 of their primary teeth, and despite the common sequence described here, the sequence can vary.
During teething, gums might become sore, tender, and irritable. To ease discomfort, gently rub their gums with a clean finger, a cold spoon, or a damp cloth. Teething rings are beneficial, but steer clear of sugary teething biscuits which can harm baby teeth.
Permanent teeth start making their appearance around age 6, beginning with the first molars and the lower central incisors, and by around age 12, most of the baby teeth have fallen out and have been replaced with 28 permanent teeth.
The role of primary teeth extends beyond just aiding in nutrition and eating. They’re pivotal for clear speech, contributing to a child’s self-esteem and guiding the correct eruption of permanent teeth. Missing or prematurely lost primary teeth may necessitate a space maintainer to prevent other teeth from shifting and ensure permanent teeth come in straight.