Baby Teeth

We’ll take care of your kids’ teeth – from as young as their first birthday!

Primary teeth, deciduous teeth, or as most of us know them, the baby teeth, are the first set of teeth an infant develops. And they’re important – as important as permanent adult teeth! 

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

You’ll see the baby teeth appear in your child’s mouth from about six months to a year, with a full set of 20 by the time they are aged three or so.

When they first begin coming in, it causes some babies to have sore or tender gums. To relieve their discomfort, you can gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger; a small, cool spoon works, too, or even a wet gauze pad. It can also help to let them chew on a clean teething ring. If your child still experiences crankiness and pain, you can bring them to the clinic so we can have a look.

Why do baby teeth matter?

It’s not unusual to underestimate the importance of baby teeth, as they fall out anyways. However, not only are they vital to helping children chew and speak properly, but they are also needed to hold space in the jaws for the growing permanent teeth.

When a primary tooth comes out too early – lost to tooth decay or gets knocked out, for example – it can pose problems for the permanent teeth that will eventually grow to replace them. The adult teeth can drift into the space that’s left making it hard for the permanent teeth to find room. Consequently, the teeth can be crooked or crowded.  A dentist can assess the best course of treatment for your child to ensure the adult teeth emerge properly. We can’t stress enough the importance of good baby oral care, even though those teeth will all fall out. Start them early to help protect their teeth for decades to come. 

When should I begin bringing my baby to the dentist?

It’s the recommendation of our office that you bring your child for their first dentist visit within six months after you see the first tooth and no later than your baby’s first birthday. Consider this your infant’s “well-baby” visit, but for their new teeth. Along with examining for tooth decay and other possible problems, the dentist will demonstrate to you how to effectively and gently clean your child’s teeth. They’ll also show you how to evaluate any adverse habits your child might have, such as thumbsucking.