Baby Teeth

We are happy to care for kids’ teeth from as early as one year old.

Did you know? A child’s baby teeth – their primary teeth – are as important as permanent adult teeth.

When do baby teeth begin to come through?

At birth, a baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws. Generally, they begin to appear, breaking through the gums between six months and one year.

Some discomfort – sore and tender gums – is normal as teeth first come in. To soothe their discomfort, gently rub your infant’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon, or a cool, wet gauze pad. A clean teething ring works well, too! If your child continues to experience pain and is unusually cranky, bring them into our office for a look. 

By the age of three, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Why the baby teeth are important

Primary teeth are critical to helping infants and toddlers chew and speak. These teeth also hold space in the jaws for the permanent teeth that are growing beneath the gums. If a baby tooth comes out too early, the surrounding permanent teeth can drift into the empty space that remains. This shifting makes it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in causing them to be crowded or crooked. 

When should I begin taking my baby to the dentist? 

We encourage you to start your little ones off early with good oral care. It can help protect their teeth for decades to come. We recommend the first exam within six months after the first tooth appears and no later than the child’s first birthday.

We look at these early visits as much like your infant’s “well-baby checkups” – for their teeth. The dentist will look for tooth decay and other problems. They will also show you exactly how to clean your child’s teeth and how to assess adverse habits like thumbsucking.