Baby Teeth

We love taking care of your kids – from toddlers to teens! 

From as early as one year old, we take care of children’s teeth. A child’s baby teeth – their primary teeth – are just as important as the permanent adult teeth.

When do baby teeth grow in?

The 20 primary teeth are already present in our jaws at birth. They begin to appear anywhere between six months and one year old. 

As those first teeth begin to come in, it’s not unusual for many babies to experience sore or tender gums. Rubbing your baby’s gums gently with a clean finger, a cool spoon, or a wet gauze pad can help soothe the discomfort. Letting them chew on a clean teething ring is also a great way to provide relief. If your baby is still in pain and cranky, bring them into our office so we can have a look. By the time most children are three years old, they have their full set of 20 primary teeth.

Why are baby teeth important?

Primary teeth help young children to chew food and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for those permanent teeth growing beneath the gums. When one of the baby teeth comes out too early, there’s a danger that the surrounding permanent teeth drift into the space that’s left. This movement of teeth can make it challenging for other adult teeth to find room to grow when they’re ready to come in. The result is crooked and/or crowded teeth. Starting your babies off with good oral care helps protect their teeth for years, even decades to come!

When should my baby first see the dentist?

We recommend you bring your infant to the dentist for an examination within six months after the first tooth comes in and no later than the baby’s first birthday. Consider that first dentist visit a “well-baby checkup” for their teeth. In addition to checking for tooth decay and other problems, your dentist can demonstrate how to properly and comfortably brush baby’s teeth. The dentist can also show you how to assess any adverse habits such as thumbsucking.