Baby teeth: at what age do babies get their first teeth?
Tooth eruption has its own rhythm and order: it varies from person to person. However, indicatively, there is an age when baby teeth appear, reflecting what happens to most babies.
Being alert to these important mouth events is very helpful in ensuring your health. By knowing in advance what they have to deal with, parents take care of their new teeth much better.
The eruption of milk teeth
Baby teeth begin to appear between 6 and 8 months of the baby. In some cases, the process may begin sooner or later, because as we have already said, this depends on the growth rate of each child.
Generally the first teeth to appear are the lower central incisors and then the upper and lateral incisors of both arches.
Once the babies have these 8 pieces in their mouth, there is usually a 4 to 6 month rest period. At the end of this period, the teeth and canines begin the eruption phase.
Approximately, this phenomenon occurs around 12-18 months of age and the first to emerge is the first molar (upper and lower). The second molar of both arches usually appears around 2 years of age and the canines appear between 15 and 24 months.
In general, most babies have 20 baby teeth by their third birthday.
At what age do permanent molars come out?
Baby teeth remain in the baby's mouth until the age of 5 or 6. At this moment the phase of replacing the teeth begins and they are replaced by their permanent replacements.
The order of the replacement usually keeps the same pattern as the appearance: it starts with the incisors and continues with the rest of the pieces. In this way, the milk molars fall out around the age of 10-12 and are replaced by the first and second definitive premolars.
But the eruption of permanent molars does not require the fall of the transient ones, as they are located behind the last lump of milk. This occurs around 6 years (for the first molar) and 12 years (for the second).
The last teeth to appear are the wisdom teeth. Its eruption occurs between 18 and 21 years, although in many people it never appears.
The importance of the first permanent molar
The first permanent molar is one of the most important dental elements of the mouth, as its correct development promotes adequate occlusion. When the upper teeth are properly connected to the lower teeth, the mouth can perform its functions correctly.
Many times, the eruption of this tooth usually goes unnoticed, since in general there is no discomfort as it happens in children. And requiring no tooth to fall out to come out, it appears silently.
Due to this and its position in the lower part of the dental arch, the first molar does not get the attention it deserves and it is quite common that its hygiene is not adequate. Consequently, caries appear very often and this favors the premature deterioration of a piece that will accompany us throughout our life .
Taking care of baby teeth
The molars are the teeth responsible for crushing, grinding and chewing food. For this reason they have a large size and an uneven surface, with cracks, spots and wrinkles.
The anatomical features of the teeth and their position make their hygiene much more difficult than with teeth. As a result, bacterial plaque builds up, predisposing to tooth decay.
Toothbrush is a very effective way to prevent this oral health problem. It should be done from the appearance of the first dental elements, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in the appropriate quantities. In addition, it must be supplemented with dental floss at least once a day.
Adults should brush their babies until they are able to do it right on their own, which happens between the ages of 6 and 8. So they should continue to oversee this work.
Taking care of the diet is also a very important point for the oral health of the child. Limiting the consumption of sugar and ultra-processed foods has a positive impact on the oral cavity.
Finally, equally important are the visits to the pediatric dentist which should begin in the first year of life.
During these, the professional advises parents on the care of the child's mouth, based on their age and their particular needs. Plus, you can detect any problems early and treat them before they get complicated.
To care for permanent molars, the dentist may use dimple and fissure sealants or topical fluoride treatments.
All these are preventive measures, which improve the natural characteristics of these elements and reduce the risk of caries.
It is important to monitor the age of baby teeth
Knowing the estimated time of appearance of these pieces allows families to prepare themselves to offer appropriate care. Having healthy teeth helps children's mouths develop smoothly.
With responsible accompaniment, you will ensure that your little ones have a beautiful and healthy smile.
