The appearance and change of children’s baby teeth is something every mother looks forward to because teeth are important for chewing and speaking. Some mothers may worry if their child experiences pain when the baby teeth come in or if they are late to appear. If a cavity develops in a baby tooth, the mother might feel anxious and unsure of what to do.
So, let’s talk about what you need to know about your child’s teeth, how to care for them, and answer common questions such as: How many baby teeth do children have? When do they change? What are the signs that require a doctor’s visit?
What Are Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth are the first teeth that gradually appear in your child’s mouth, usually around six months old. There are twenty baby teeth, ten in the upper jaw and ten in the lower jaw, and they are fully in place by about 30 months of age.
This image shows when baby teeth typically appear in the first year of most children.
Keep in mind that this timing is an average, and each child grows at their own pace. For example, the first tooth often appears around six months, but a child isn’t considered late if they have at least one tooth by their first birthday.
When baby teeth come in, children may experience teething symptoms that mothers should recognize and handle properly.
Teething Symptoms:
Teething is when teeth break through the gums, a natural process in children. Babies are born with teeth hidden beneath the gums, and if a baby is born with visible teeth, a dentist should remove them immediately, which is rare.
Signs of teething in children include:
- Crying due to discomfort in the mouth.
- Slightly raised temperature (below 38°C).
- Less sleep.
- Pain.
- Finger sucking.
- Drooling.
- Loss of interest in breastfeeding or eating.
- Rash.
- Vomiting.
- Swollen gums.
- Gum pain when pressed.
To relieve these symptoms, gently press on the inflamed gums with your fingers or use a safe teething toy. If you notice a high fever, diarrhea, or rash, or if symptoms worsen, visit a doctor. Caring for baby teeth is very important.
Importance of Baby Teeth:
Teeth are very important and serve many functions, such as:
- Helping with correct pronunciation and language development.
- Aiding in chewing food well.
- Gradually widening the mouth to prepare for permanent teeth.
- Boosting the child’s self-confidence by enhancing their appearance.
Children start to lose their baby teeth between ages 6 and 8, and this process is complete by age 13 when permanent teeth grow in. It’s crucial for mothers to keep track of these timelines since losing baby teeth too early or too late can affect permanent teeth.
How to Tell if a Tooth is Baby or Permanent?
If a mother doesn’t keep track of when her child’s baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in, it’s easy to tell them apart.
Baby teeth are different from permanent teeth in several ways:
- Feature Baby teeth Permanent teeth
- Color White Less white
- Root size Shorter Longer
- Enamel thickness Thicker Thinner
Tooth size Slightly smaller Slightly larger Shape Has small bumps Has clear bumps How to Care for Baby Teeth?
Many parents think baby teeth are unimportant and don’t need care because they will soon be replaced. This is not true; baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth.
Since baby teeth are very important, follow these care tips:
- Clean your baby’s teeth with a soft cloth for infants, and use a toothbrush and toothpaste for older kids.
- Teach your child to brush their teeth starting at age two to build a habit early.- Choose toothpaste with fluoride and teach your child to use a small amount, about the size of a grain of rice, and not to swallow it.
- Reduce sugary foods and drinks, as they can lead to cavities.
- Avoid sweet juices and snacks before bed; offer water instead.
What to Do if My Child Complains of Tooth Pain?
You should not ignore your child’s complaints about pain in their baby teeth. Consult a pediatric dentist who can guide you on the best way to relieve this pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What teeth change in children?
Baby teeth that appear in the first two years of life, usually by age two and a half, are very important for chewing, speaking, and jaw shape.
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When do baby teeth fully appear?
Baby teeth usually fully appear by age two and a half.
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How many baby teeth does a child have?
A child typically has twenty baby teeth, evenly divided between the upper and lower jaws. They usually start appearing around six months and are fully in place by age two and a half.
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When do baby teeth fall out?
Baby teeth start to fall out between ages six and eight and are completely replaced by permanent teeth by age 13.
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Do baby teeth have roots?
Yes, but they are shorter than the roots of permanent teeth because baby teeth are replaced before age 12.
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When does the first tooth fall out?
There is no specific time, but most children lose their first tooth between six and eight years old.
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Why might baby teeth not fall out?
Baby teeth may not fall out due to genetic factors, certain health conditions, or other issues. Sometimes a dentist may need to extract baby teeth to make way for permanent ones.
If your child is experiencing delayed loss of baby teeth, contact a pediatric dentist for an evaluation and appropriate solutions.
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When do permanent teeth start to appear?
Permanent teeth begin to come in gradually after baby teeth fall out, typically between ages six and thirteen, with wisdom teeth appearing later. It’s important to monitor your child’s baby teeth, as any issues with them can be addressed by a dentist. Taking care of your child’s teeth is essential for their health, development, and smile.