Teething and Eruption

Your child’s teeth started forming before birth, and normally their first tooth will erupt into the mouth between ages 6 to 12 months. Their gums can be sore, tender and sometimes irritable throughout the teething process. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold, wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well, but avoid teething biscuits—they contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.

Teething is the final stage of the eruption process. It is during this time that the teeth of infants cut through the gum and become visible in the mouth. Eruption is the process during which teeth grow through bone and push through the gum into the mouth.

In most children, the lower front teeth will appear first, then the upper front teeth will erupt next. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order varies. Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 12. Adults have 28 permanent teeth or 32 including the wisdom teeth. Remember, every child develops at a different pace. If you have concerns, speak to your pediatric dentist.