Getting that first tooth is an exciting milestone for babies and parents alike. But at what age can you expect to see your baby’s first pearly white tooth peek through their gums? Here’s a quick overview of when babies typically get their first tooth.
When do babies usually get their first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average age is around 6 months, but some babies may start teething as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year.
Some key times when you can expect that first tooth include:
- 3-4 months: It’s not common, but some babies are early teethers and get their first tooth at 3-4 months.
- 6 months: Six months is the average age when most babies get their first tooth.
- 8-12 months: It’s perfectly normal for a baby not to have any teeth yet until some time between 8-12 months.
While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, every baby develops at their own pace. The timing can vary widely, so there’s no need for concern if your baby’s first tooth arrives sooner or later than average.
Signs your baby’s first tooth is coming
How can you tell if your baby’s first tooth is about to emerge? Here are some common signs of teething:
- Increased drooling and dribbling
- Chewing on toys, fingers, etc.
- Irritability and fussiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Rubbing their cheek or ear
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Refusing to eat
If you notice some of these teething symptoms, your baby’s first tooth is likely right around the corner. The incoming tooth is irritating their gums as it pushes through.
Which teeth come in first?
The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors. These are the two bottom front teeth. Next to come in are the upper central incisors (the matching two top front teeth), generally within a month or so of the lower teeth.
After the lower and upper incisors, other early teeth often include:
- Lower lateral incisors (next to the lower front teeth)
- Upper lateral incisors (next to the upper front teeth)
- First molars (back teeth used for chewing and grinding)
While this is the typical order, variations are common. For example, sometimes a first molar will come in before the upper incisors.
Helping your baby through teething
Here are some tips to make your baby more comfortable while they’re getting their first tooth and provide relief from teething pain:
- Gently massage their gums with clean finger or teething toy
- Give them something cool to chew on, like a chilled teething ring or wet washcloth placed in the freezer
- Try an over-the-counter teething gel or pain reliever suited for infants if recommended by your pediatrician
- Make sure they’re getting plenty of breastmilk or formula
- Distract with favorite toys or books
Teething can be uncomfortable for some babies, but staying patient and providing soothing relief should help. If your baby has signs of teething pain but no tooth emerges after 3-4 months, consult your pediatrician.
Caring for your baby’s first tooth
Once your baby’s first tooth pokes through, it’s important to take good care of it by:
- Wiping gums and any new teeth with a soft cloth after each feeding
- Starting regular dental checkups around your baby’s first birthday or when they have a few teeth
- Only giving milk, formula, or water in bottles and training cups – avoidance of sugary drinks
- Brushing new teeth with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily as more teeth erupt
Establishing these good oral hygiene habits right away helps keep your baby’s new teeth healthy and cavity-free.
When to expect the full set of baby teeth
While getting the first tooth is exciting, it’s just the start of your baby’s tooth development. The first tooth is usually followed by many more over the next few years as your baby’s set of 20 primary (baby) teeth comes in.
Here’s a general timeline for when most babies and toddlers get new teeth:
| Age | Number of teeth |
|---|---|
| 6-12 months | 4 to 8 teeth |
| 13-19 months | 12 teeth |
| 25 months | All 20 primary teeth |
As you can see from this timeline, most babies have a complete set of 20 baby teeth by around 2 years of age, though it sometimes takes up to 3 years. These primary teeth eventually fall out as your child’s larger permanent teeth erupt.
The primary teeth serve important functions like helping your child chew and speak clearly. They also hold space for the future permanent teeth. That’s why it’s so important to take good care of them!
When to see a pediatric dentist
You should schedule your child’s first dental visit sometime around their first birthday, or when they get a few teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends all children see a dentist by 12 months old.
Some reasons to take your baby or toddler to the pediatric dentist include:
- Your child has dental concerns like spots, discoloration, injuries, or cavities
- Teeth are emerging out of sequence or appear misaligned
- There are oral health issues running in your family
- Getting your child comfortable with dental care starting at a young age
Early dental visits help identify any potential problems and get your child started on a lifetime of good dental care. The dentist can also provide tips on protecting emerging teeth and keeping them healthy.
Conclusion
Your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone signalling they are growing up! While the average age is 6 months, some babies sprout their first pearly white tooth as early as 3 months, or as late as 1 year. Pay attention for teething symptoms like increased drooling and gum rubbing to know it’s on the way.
With some patience and extra care, you can help make your baby’s teething journey more comfortable. Remember to keep wiping and brushing new teeth daily to prevent cavities. Seeing a pediatric dentist around age 1 ensures your child’s teeth stay healthy right from the start.
While that first tooth may feel like it took forever, it’s just the beginning of your baby’s tooth development. With your diligent care and proper dental habits, their complete set of 20 baby teeth will fill in before you know it!