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When do babies start teething?

Newborns typically have 20 baby teeth concealed below the gumline. Teething is the process of these teeth erupting through the gums.

Teething usually begins about halfway through the first year of life. Different teeth erupt at different rates, with the front teeth tending to emerge first.

During teething, a baby may feel pain and discomfort, and they can show this in various ways.

In this article, we give a general timeline for the eruption of baby teeth. We also describe signs of teething and provide tips on easing any pain and discomfort.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), baby teeth tend to appear within the first 6–8 months of life.The first teeth to erupt are usually the front teeth at the top or bottom of the mouth. Dentists refer to these teeth as the incisors. The rate and order in which the other teeth appear can differ from one baby to another.The ADA provide the following timeline of the usual ages at which baby teeth emerge:

1. lower central incisors (the bottom front two teeth): 6–10 months

2. upper central incisors (the top front two teeth): 8–12 months

3. upper lateral incisors (at either side of the central incisors): 9–13 months

4. lower lateral incisors (at either side of the central incisors): 10–16 months

5. upper first molars (behind the upper canines): 13–19 months

6. lower first molars (behind the lower canines): 14–18 months

7. upper canines: 16–22 months

8. lower canines: 17–23 months

9. lower second molars: 23–31 months

10. upper second molars: 25–33 months

If there is no sign of any teeth appearing at about 6 or 7 months of age, this is usually no cause for concern, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

By the baby’s first birthday, they should see a dentist, whether or not they have teeth yet.The enamel coating on baby teeth is thinner than that on adult teeth, and so it is more prone to cavities. For this reason, routine dental checkups are important for babies.

Signs of teething:

There are several indications that a baby is teething, including:

1. increased irritability

2. increased crying

3. drooling

4. a rash around the mouth, neck, or chest, caused by drooling

5. gnawing or biting on objects

6. cheek rubbing

7. ear pulling

8. a slight elevation in temperature, but not a fever

At about 6 months of age, when teething usually begins, a baby’s immune system is starting to develop, and the antibodies received from the placenta are wearing off. During this time, babies start developing colds and other viral illnesses.

(08/11/2020)
by Jenna Fletcher

More Information: https://www.mybestdentists.com/in-the-news/AmericanDentalAssociation

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