In the first years of life, eruption of the primary teeth is already in process. At birth, babies have a total of 20 baby teeth hidden behind the gums. The process of “dentition” begins at an age that depends entirely on the person. Sometimes, the first tooth can begin to make its exit in a few months. For other children, it may take 12 months or more before a tooth appears. The average child usually has already developed a number of these baby teeth before early childhood comes into play, including the four central incisors (which are usually the first to appear) and the lateral incisors.

Years of pre-childhood

According to the “Better Health Channel”, lower incisors usually arise anywhere between 6 to 10 months after the birth of a child. The upper incisors come next and appear anywhere between 8 and 16 months after the birth of your child. If it is assumed that the first years of life begin when the child is about 20 months old, then the last pre-childhood teeth erupting are the upper and lower first molars. According to the Canadian Dental Association, the first group of lower molars usually appears when the child is between 12 and 18 months of age, while the upper set usually erupts once a child has between 13 To 19 months of age.

First years of life

By the time your child is 16 months old, you can begin to notice the appearance of canine teeth, states the “Better Health Channel”. The eruption of canines will occur more frequently anytime between 16 and 24 months after the birth of your child. The canines are pointed teeth that sit next to the incisors.

Later years of childhood

The second set of upper molars is likely to appear at any time between 25 to 33 months, while the lower set usually appears slightly earlier, between 20 and 31 months. These teeth may take time to appear until your child’s third birthday. According to the Canadian Dental Association, by the time your child has reached his third birthday, he is generally expected to have 20 primary teeth. As stated by the American Dental Association, once the child has developed all the baby teeth, his jaw will continue to grow for the preparation of permanent teeth.

Process management

The Australian Dental Association warns that children can be very irritable during the teething process. Symptoms of irritability can range from crying attacks, high fever, to loss of appetite. The Australian Dental Association also suggests that the best method to relieve your child of his discomfort is to wash his hands and gently rub his gums with his finger. In addition, you may want to provide a wet wipe or a pacifier so the little one can bite during their ordeal.

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