Are you wondering when your baby will get teeth? You may have heard of the dreaded teething phase that can make babies fussy and lead to some sleepless nights. There’s no definite timeline because every baby is different. But there is an average age range that is typical for babies to get teeth.
Being prepared can help you know what to expect when it comes to teething. But it is impossible to predict exactly when it will occur. New parents often have no idea that their baby is teething until the tooth pops through the gums as an explanation for some difficult days and nights.
What is the average age for baby tooth eruption? Here’s what you can expect.
Average Age for Tooth Eruption
Most babies get their first tooth somewhere between 6 and 12 months. This is the average range, but some babies will get teeth as early as 3 or 4 months and others as late as 18 months. Rarely are babies born with teeth or get them in the first 2 months, but it does happen.
The Order of Tooth Eruption
The first tooth to come in is usually one of the bottom front teeth (central incisors). The two front teeth on the bottom will be first, followed by the two front teeth on the top. Then the teeth erupt on either side of the front teeth one at a time from front to back, ending with the two year molars.
The next teeth to come in are the six year molars which erupt behind the two year molars. The 12 year molars are next, followed by the wisdom teeth that may erupt in the later teenage years or early adulthood. Some people’s wisdom teeth never come through and become impacted, requiring extraction.
Symptoms of Teething
It can be difficult to determine when your baby is teething. Often you won’t realize what was going on until the tooth comes through. But you may notice any combination of the following symptoms:
- Fussiness. If your baby seems fussier than usual they may be teething. Parents often think their baby is sick, but they are actually just experiencing pain as the teeth push through the gums.
- Frequent nighttime waking. Is your baby waking up more often than usual at night? This is often a sign of teething discomfort.
- Drooling. An increase in drooling is the body’s natural response to teething, as saliva increases whenever there is a change in the way the mouth feels.
- Chewing. If your baby seems to be chewing on everything in sight from their spoon at mealtimes to toys, they may be teething.
- Increased sucking. Does your baby suddenly want their pacifier more or is frequently sucking their thumb or fingers? This is a normal response to self soothe teething discomfort.
- Red, swollen gums. Sometimes the gum tissue will appear red and swollen when teeth are working their way through.
- Fever. Another teething symptom that can be confusing is fever. This also contributes to parents thinking their baby is sick, when they are actually just teething. The body temperature may only be increased by a degree or two, but if your baby has a high fever it may be due to an illness.
How to Soothe Teething Pain
There are a few different ways to soothe your baby’s teething pain:
- Give them a cold teething toy (not frozen).
- Let them chew on a soft toy.
- Offer a cold, clean washcloth to chew on.
- Give them a baby pain reliever with the approval of your doctor.
What to Do if Your Baby Doesn’t Have Teeth by 18 Months
If your baby still has no teeth by the time they are 18 months old, speak to your pediatrician or your pediatric dentist. There may be a reason for the delay in tooth eruption that requires intervention. Your doctor or dentist may recommend waiting another few months before taking any action.
Have Questions About Tooth Eruption? Ask Dental Buddies of Vero Beach
Are you wondering when your baby’s first tooth should come in and when you should take them to the dentist? Dental Buddies of Vero Beach recommends coming in for a visit by your baby’s first birthday whether they have a tooth or not. We provide a complimentary first dental exam for babies under 2 to help them get a proper start toward a lifetime of dental health.
Call 772-226-6888 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to being a part of your baby’s dental health and development.