One of the major milestones in your infant’s first year will be the development of his baby teeth. There is just something exciting about discovering those first pearly whites peeking through your little one’s gums. You’ll have to tell everyone! Of course, by the time your baby celebrates his second birthday, he’ll have a mouthful of teeth. Until then, what can you expect, and how do you take care of your darling’s teeth?

Tooth Development

Have you ever noticed how parents love to compare their children’s developmental milestones? Common questions might include, “When did your baby start crawling?”; “Is he walking yet?”; “How many teeth does she have?” It’s almost as if some parents want to take credit for their children reaching some of these “firsts” well ahead of others.

Baby tooth development is a perfect example. “My child got her first tooth at four months!” said one mother to another. The other mother replied in an embarrassed tone, “Well, my baby is nine months old and not a tooth in her head!” You’ve probably heard or been a part of similar discussions. Deep down parents generally realize that early tooth development doesn’t mean much. Still, any and all of baby’s “firsts” are causes for celebration!

Time Frames

While it is true that sometimes babies are born with some of their teeth, this typically only occurs in one out of every two thousand newborns. Natal teeth, as these newborn teeth are referred to, may be an indication of hyperthyroidism. They may cause pain to the newborn, and they may cause nursing mothers pain, also.

Some babies are still toothless as they approach their first birthdays. This isn’t uncommon, and it shouldn’t indicate a problem. The following is a general time frame for tooth development.

1. Upper and lower central incisors (front teeth)-Typically between five and eight months old.
2. Upper and lower lateral incisors-Seven to eleven months.
3. Cuspids (canine teeth)-Sixteen to twenty months.
4. First molars-Ten to sixteen months.
5. Second molars-Twenty to thirty months.

Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth

Before your infant even begins to teethe, you should begin taking care of her gums. You can do this by gently rubbing her gums with a clean, soft cloth every day. Once your baby’s teeth begin to arrive, continue to brush them with a very small amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush or soft cloth. As your child approaches her second birthday, you can begin helping her learn how to brush her teeth on her own. You’ll still need to supervise, however.

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