You can’t get enough of your baby’s gummy smile. Each time their face lights up, so does yours, causing you to snap hundreds of pictures in an attempt to capture these innocent moments forever. But over time, you may begin to wonder when their baby teeth in Garland will erupt. Whether you’re a first-time parent or this is your second or third child, a pediatric dentist is here to explain when you can expect your baby’s primary teeth to come in as well as when they’ll likely fall out.
When Do Baby Teeth Erupt?
If you’re concerned that your child’s teeth have not yet erupted, don’t fly into a panic. It’s important to remember that every child is different, so timelines will vary.
Most children are born with 20 initial (primary) teeth with the first one erupting typically around the age of six months. You will notice their two bottom front teeth pushing through the gums first only to be followed by the two upper front teeth. Over time, the rest of their pearly whites will begin to fill in the upper and lower arches.
By the time your child reaches the age of 2.5 to 3, they should have all 20 of their teeth.
When Do Primary Teeth Fall Out?
Similar to the process of initial eruption, no two children are the same when it comes to their baby teeth falling out. The average timeframe for children to start losing their pearly whites typically begins around the age of six or seven, so if you plan to make the Tooth Fairy part of their childhood experiences, make sure you’re stocked up on dollar bills or whatever special reward you plan to hide under their pillow.
These teeth must fall out in order to make room for the permanent ones that will push through and remain with them for the rest of their life. The order in which they fall out can vary, but you may notice a pattern, as it is often the bottom front two teeth that start the process.
Again, don’t become panicked if your child doesn’t immediately start losing teeth at this age. If you suspect there might be a problem or are concerned about the status of their oral development, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist in Garland.
Why Baby Teeth Need to Remain Healthy
While these teeth will eventually fall out, they need to remain healthy and firmly in place until it’s time for them to fall out on their own. Why? There are many reasons, such as:
- If primary teeth fall out too early, it can leave a gap that causes nearby teeth to shift out alignment. Without a space maintainer, your child might experience abnormal permanent tooth eruption that requires orthodontic intervention.
- A full set of teeth allows for better nutrition and clearer speech.
- Their facial development remains normal.
When caring for your child’s smile, make sure you’re brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing, and having them rinse (if they’re old enough). This will ensure their pearly whites stay right where they should until it’s time to say goodbye and also hello to newer, permanent, longer-lasting teeth.
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to have a team of three experienced pediatric dentists: Dr. Lucely Santillan, Dr. Adam Preece, and Dr. Alexander Shau. Thanks to their years of advanced training, they’re able to provide specialized treatments that are designed to meet the unique oral healthcare needs of kids. They can help diagnose bruxism in your child and will work with you to discover solutions for helping your little one stop grinding their teeth. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, they can be reached online or at (972) 364-7472.