Baby’s First Tooth
By Dr. Richard Hastreiter, D.D.S., M.P.H.,
Dental Director at Delta Dental of Minnesota

Babies go through many changes in their first year of life. These developments, such as learning to sit up or crawl, are a joy for parents to witness. Baby’s first tooth is another important milestone.

The Importance of Baby Teeth
Although the process of teething can be a bit unpleasant, those tiny new teeth can play an important role in your baby’s healthy development. Even though they eventually fall out and are replaced, baby teeth can be just as important as permanent teeth.

Primary (baby) teeth help children chew their food and speak properly. Healthy baby teeth also help keep a space in the jaw for the emergence of permanent adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, crowding and misalignment may occur when it is time for the adult teeth to emerge. This could result in crooked teeth and could require more complicated or expensive treatment as your child gets older.

When Will Baby Teeth Appear?
Newborn babies typically have a partially developed set of teeth that are not yet visible. Parents usually start to see their baby’s first teeth erupt around six or seven months of age. Although, in some cases, baby teeth may already be visible when a baby is first born.

The first teeth to erupt are usually the two bottom front teeth (between six and 10 months of age), generally followed by the emergence of the four upper front teeth. After baby’s first birthday, the first molars may begin to appear. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, baby’s first dental visit should occur by his/her first birthday.

Although the rate and timing of tooth eruption may vary, by the time a child is three years old, all 20 of the primary teeth have usually erupted. Around age six, children begin to lose baby teeth and permanent teeth begin to replace them.

Keep Baby Teeth Healthy
Baby teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear. Tooth decay occurs when baby teeth are frequently exposed to liquids containing sugar (milk, breast milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks). An increased risk of tooth decay is also associated with unrestricted, on-demand nighttime breastfeeding after baby’s first tooth appears, and with use of pacifiers dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. Unfortunately, by the time a parent notices signs of decay in baby teeth, it may be too late to save the teeth.

Tooth decay is an infectious disease that can spread from parents and caregivers to babies. Although babies are not born with decay-causing bacteria in their mouths, many unsuspecting parents and caregivers pass these bacteria to children (often by “testing” bottle temperatures or “cleaning” pacifiers by mouth, or by sharing cups, toothbrushes, and feeding utensils.).

Once bacteria enter the mouth, they can convert the sugar from foods and beverages into acids that destroy tooth enamel and produce cavities.

Parents can help minimize decay-causing bacteria by teaching their children to brush and floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Parents and caregivers should consult a dentist or other healthcare provider before introducing a child under the age of two to fluoride toothpaste. Children who develop healthy dental habits have healthy smiles for a lifetime.

For more oral health information, visit www.deltadentalmn.org.

return to top