Stages of Tooth Eruption

 Baby teeth are identified by the letters A to E. Each child’s two front teeth are As the next teeth back are Bs. The baby eye teeth are Cs and so on.

3-4 Months

You’ll notice the first signs that your baby’s teeth are preparing to break through the gum surface—this is called “eruption.” These signs include: irritation, redness, sleeplessness, and teething.

What you can do

To relieve teething pain, let your baby chew on a teething ring similar object. It may help to chill this in the fridge first.

6-12 months

Your baby’s first tooth will erupt—this is usually one of the four front teeth known as an incisor (A). The lower teeth are usually first. The other front teeth will follow close behind. Only the teeth in white have erupted at this stage

What you can do

Use a small, soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your baby’s teeth in the morning and before bedtime. Be very gentle and try to make this into as much of a game as possible.

12-18 months

The remainder of the front teeth will erupt. The first molars often then come through before the canines (Cs or Eye Teeth), so when you look in baby’s mouth you might see four teeth at the front then a space and then some more teeth further back.
only the teeth in white have erupted at this stage

What you can do

Wean your child from bottles by this age—doing so will help prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

12-24 months

3-5 years

All baby teeth should have come in, including the molars. Permanent teeth are preparing to erupt.

What you can do

Your child still needs help with brushing, especially the inner surfaces of the teeth furthest back in the mouth. Let him or her brush, and then finish the brushing yourself.
Ask the dentist about daily fluoride vitamin supplements.

5 +years

Your child will lose baby teeth, and permanent teeth begin to come in, starting with molars.

What you can do

This is when young children can develop good oral health habits—help to teach them the proper techniques.
Your child may be able to brush his or her teeth without help. Make sure that your child is cleaning his or her teeth thoroughly. We recommend finishing off brushing for children up to 8-10 years or older.

Finally please be aware that the dental health of Mum and Dad has a direct influence on the dental health of a child. If you are interested in helping your child to stay cavity free for life you will need to make sure that your own dental health is in tip top shape first. This has been demonstrated by several scientific studies. If you would like a little help why not make an appointment at Craigentinny Dental Care.