When does my child's first tooth come?

While every child is different, the primary teeth begin to come in between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Most of the primary teeth (baby teeth) will have erupted by 33 months. Girls tend to have their teeth come in before boys. The following are general guidelines for the eruption of the baby teeth:

• The first tooth to erupt is usually a middle, front tooth on the lower jaw, known as the central incisor. This is followed by the second central incisor on the lower jaw.
• Next, the four upper incisors usually come in.
• The above is followed by the first 4 molars, and the remaining bottom 2 lateral incisors. Lateral incisors are beside (lateral to) the central incisors. Next, the 4 first molars come in.
• Then the cuspids, or the pointed teeth, appear.
• Usually, after the child reaches 2 years old, the 4 second molars (the last of the baby teeth) appear.

The teeth on the upper jaw usually erupt 1 to 2 months after the same tooth on the lower jaw. There are a total of 20 primary teeth. Usually, about 1 tooth erupts per month once the teeth have started coming in. There is normally a space between all the baby teeth. This leaves room for the larger permanent teeth to erupt.

The eruption sequence can vary quite a bit from child to child. So, don't become overly concerned if your child's teeth do not follow the pattern above. However, if teeth fail to come in a year after the expected time, check with your child's dentist to make sure they are developing properly. Below is a chart showing average ages of eruption and shedding:

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When does my child's first permanent tooth come?

Your child will begin losing his or her primary teeth (baby teeth) around the age of 6. The first teeth to be lost are usually the central incisors. This is then followed by the eruption of the first permanent molars. The last baby tooth is usually lost around the age of 12, and is the cuspid or second molar. There will be a total of 32 permanent, or adult, teeth.

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When Should I first start brushing my child's tooth ?

When you see the first tooth in the mouth, it is time you start brushing your child !

Should I definitely use a Fluoridated tooth paste for my child ?

It is generally recommended to use a Fluoridated tooth-paste (Fluoride containing), but if you are in India and live in the endemic Fluoride belt, that has excess Fluoride in the drinking water, we recommend you check with your Dental Surgeon before choosing to use a Fluoridated tooth-paste. Hence this is not always recommended....

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