Ever heard of tooth eruption?
Sounds pretty intense, doesn’t it…
It’s actually the technical term for early childhood teething and a child’s acquiring their “adult” or permanent teeth.
We’ve put together some information to better prepare you for your child’s teething and what you can expect so that there aren’t many surprises for you and your child.
- What is the timeline for tooth eruption?
- What is considered delayed tooth eruption?
- What are the symptoms of tooth eruption?
- How to care for erupting teeth
What is the timeline for tooth eruption?
The timeline varies from child to child, but here are general charts for both primary and permanent teeth eruption in infants and adolescents.
Primary Tooth Eruption (Baby Teeth)
| Months | Teeth |
| 6-10 | Lower central incisors (front teeth) |
| 8-12 | Upper central incisors |
| 9-13 | Upper lateral incisors (next to front teeth) |
| 10-16 | Lower lateral incisors |
| 13-19 | First molars |
| 16-23 | Canines |
| 23-33 | Second molars |
Permanent Tooth Eruption (Adult Teeth)
| Years | Teeth |
| 6-7 | First molars and lower central incisors |
| 7-8 | Upper central and lower lateral incisors |
| 9-12 | Remaining teeth over time, including canines and premolars |
| 12-13 | Second molars |
| 17-21 | Third molars (wisdom teeth) |
What is considered delayed tooth eruption?
Delayed tooth eruption is when your child’s tooth or teeth develop at a time significantly different from the normal timeline as it relates to your particular race, ethnicity, and sex.
Some of the common causes of delayed tooth eruption include:
- Premature birth
- Low weight
- Malnutrition
- Genetics (amelogenesis imperfecta, regional odontodysplasia)
- Down Syndrome
What are the symptoms of tooth eruption?
Here are some general symptoms you can expect from your child as they are teething in their early stages of development:
- Gum swelling/tenderness
- Drooling
- Irritability/Fussiness
- Chewing on toys or objects
- Sleep issues
How to care for erupting teeth
It is important to begin good oral hygiene habits as early as possible for your child, teaching them along the way. Be sure to clean your baby’s gums with a damp cloth before teeth appear. When teeth arrive, use small, soft toothbrushes with water.
Giving your child something clean and cool to chew on, such as teething rings or damp cloths, helps manage pain during the teething process.
Ultimately, regularly visit your child’s dentist to ensure proper monitoring and hygiene are maintained for your child’s long-term health and comfort.
Friendly Dental Care for Children with AZ Family Dental
We’re here to serve families in all things dental, from preventative care to emergency dental procedures and cosmetics.
Our full spectrum of dental services include:
- General Care
- Preventative Care
- Cosmetic Services
- Removals
- Periodontal Care
- Orthodontics
- Tooth Replacement
- Prosthodontist Care
Schedule an appointment for you and your family today to get started!