One of the many milestones in a child’s development is the eruption of teeth. As a parent or caregiver, it helps to know when teeth usually come in and how you can support your child during this time. In this post, we explain how milk teeth come in, the common symptoms of teething, and tips for relieving discomfort.

When do milk teeth come in?

Children have 20 milk (primary or baby) teeth: 10 in each jaw, made up of 4 front teeth (incisors), 2 canines, one on each side of the incisors, and 4 molars, two on each side.

Teeth usually start coming in at around 6 months of age, but this varies from child to child. The process takes several years, with the last molars usually appearing between 2 and 3 years of age.

The first milk teeth to come in are the two lower front teeth (lower central incisors), at around 6–8 months. These are followed by the two upper front teeth (upper central incisors), and then the upper lateral incisors, next to them. So by the first birthday, these 6 teeth are usually in the mouth. In some children, though, the first teeth come in at 1 year or even later. We advise that your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist happens by the first birthday or when the first tooth appears, whichever is earlier. This allows early screening and timely dental care.

After the first birthday, the two lower lateral incisors come in, followed by the first molars, usually by 18 months. The canines come in between 18 months and 2 years, and finally the second molars between 2 and 3 years.

Permanent teeth start coming in at around 6 years of age. Between 6 and 12 years, the milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. Healthy milk teeth pave the way for healthy permanent teeth.

Common teething symptoms

While milk teeth are coming in, babies sometimes have teething troubles. This can be a stressful time for babies and parents alike. Common symptoms include:

• Irritability and fussiness: discomfort and pain can make children fussier and more irritable than usual.

• Feeding: teething troubles can make a baby breastfeed less well.

• Drooling: increased drooling is common during teething and can irritate the skin around the mouth, causing a teething rash.

• Sleep: teething can disrupt sleep, leading to more frequent waking at night.

• Chewing and biting: babies may chew on their fingers, toys or other objects to relieve discomfort.

• Red, swollen gums: as teeth move upward, the gums can become red, swollen and tender.

• Changes in appetite: some children eat less during teething because of discomfort.

• Fever: teething and fever are not directly related. There may be a slight rise in temperature, but a high fever has another cause, and your child’s pediatrician should be consulted.

Tips for relieving discomfort

Teething can be uncomfortable, but there are several ways to help:

• Massage the gums: gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger or a damp cloth can relieve pain.

• Offer a teething toy: rubber or silicone chew toys can soothe sore gums. Make sure the toy is large enough that your child cannot swallow it or choke on it.

• Use something cool: a cool washcloth, spoon or teething ring can soothe sore gums. Make sure it is clean and not too cold.

• Pain relief: if your child is in significant pain, paracetamol may be appropriate. Always follow the dosage instructions carefully and check with your child’s doctor first.

• Extra comfort: extra love and attention go a long way during these stressful times.

Teething is a natural part of a child’s development that can be uncomfortable at times. With some background knowledge and a timely visit to a pediatric dentist, the process can be smoother and more comfortable for you and your child.