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How does baby teeth grow


Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth

Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Teeth start developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth. The mother's diet should have adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Certain medicines, such as tetracycline, should not be taken by the mother while she is pregnant. These can cause discoloration to the developing teeth of the embryo. There are 4 main stages of development of the tooth:

  • The first stage begins in the fetus at about 6 weeks of age. This is when the basic substance of the tooth forms.

  • Next, the hard tissue that surrounds the teeth is formed, around 3 to 4 months of gestation.

  • After the child is born, the next stage occurs when the tooth actually protrudes through the gum.

  • Finally, there is the loss of the primary "baby" teeth.

Parts of the tooth

Each tooth has 4 main parts, including the following:

  • Enamel. The outer layer of the tooth and the hardest material in the body.

  • Dentin. The inner layer and the main part of the tooth, and the largest dental tissue.

  • Pulp. Soft tissue on the inside of the tooth that contains the nerve, blood supply, and the ability to produce dentin.

  • Root. The part of the tooth that secures it into the jaw.

When will my child's teeth come in?

While every child is different, the primary teeth begin to come in between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Most of the primary teeth (baby teeth) will have erupted by 33 months. Girls tend to have their teeth come in before boys. The following are general guidelines for the eruption of the baby teeth:

  • The first tooth to erupt is usually a middle, front tooth on the lower jaw, known as the central incisor. This is followed by the second central incisor on the lower jaw.

  • Next, the four upper incisors usually come in.

  • The above is followed by the first 4 molars, and the remaining bottom 2 lateral incisors. Lateral incisors are beside (lateral to) the central incisors. Next, the 4 first molars come in.

  • Then the cuspids, or the pointed teeth, appear.

  • Usually, after the child reaches 2 years old, the 4 second molars (the last of the baby teeth) appear.

The teeth on the upper jaw usually erupt 1 to 2 months after the same tooth on the lower jaw. There are a total of 20 primary teeth. Usually, about 1 tooth erupts per month once the teeth have started coming in. There is normally a space between all the baby teeth. This leaves room for the larger permanent teeth to erupt.

The eruption sequence can vary quite a bit from child to child. So, don't become overly concerned if your child's teeth do not follow the pattern above. However, if teeth fail to come in a year after the expected time, check with your child's dentist to make sure they are developing properly. Below is a chart showing average ages of eruption and shedding:

When will my child's permanent teeth come in?

Your child will begin losing his or her primary teeth (baby teeth) around the age of 6. The first teeth to be lost are usually the central incisors. This is then followed by the eruption of the first permanent molars. The last baby tooth is usually lost around the age of 12, and is the cuspid or second molar. There will be a total of 32 permanent, or adult, teeth.

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How your baby's teeth develop

How your baby's teeth develop | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content

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Babies are usually born with 20 baby teeth (also known as primary teeth). They start to come through the gums at about 6 months and all the teeth have usually appeared by the time the baby is 2 to 3 years old. This process is called teething. The teeth will fall out at various times during childhood.

About baby teeth

Babies are born with the following teeth:

  • 4 second molars
  • 4 first molars
  • 4 canine teeth
  • 4 lateral incisors
  • 4 central incisors

There is one set on each side of the upper jaw, and one on each side of the lower jaw.

The teeth in the centre of the bottom jaw often come through first, sometime between 4 months and 10 months.

Each child is different so don’t worry if your baby’s teeth appear earlier or later. Talk to your dentist if you are worried.

Diagram showing the 5 sets of temporary teeth.

Your child’s jaw will continue to grow and permanent teeth will start to replace the baby teeth when the child is around age 6.

The outer covering of baby teeth is made of thinner enamel than the enamel of permanent teeth and this makes the baby teeth look whiter. It also means they are more likely to get tooth decay.

Baby teeth also have shorter and different shaped roots from permanent teeth, making it easier for the roots to dissolve later and to allow space for permanent teeth to grow underneath them.

Babies can be quite uncomfortable when they are teething. Try chilled (not frozen) teething rings, wash cloths or dummies to ease the pain.

Baby teeth are important

Baby teeth help your child to chew food easily and to pronounce words properly. They are also needed to hold a place in the jaw for the permanent teeth to come through later.

It is important to keep baby teeth clean. This will protect against infection, cavities and pain. Decayed baby teeth can damage the permanent teeth underneath.

How to care for baby teeth

Baby teeth can start to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Frequent exposure to sugary liquids can destroy the teeth.

You should wipe your baby’s gums with a wet facecloth or a clean gauze pad after each feed. You can brush your baby’s first tooth as soon as it appears with a soft toothbrush and a little water.

Older children should be supervised while they are cleaning their teeth. Children over 18 months can use a pea-sized amount of children’s low-fluoride toothpaste and if possible should be taught not to swallow it. They should rinse with water after brushing.

To reduce the risk of tooth decay:

  • Never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquid.
  • Don’t dip a dummy in sugar or honey.
  • Clean the dummy before you give it to your baby.
  • Visit your dentist by about 12 months.

If you are worried about your baby’s tooth development, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to talk to a maternal child health nurse.

Sources:
Australian Dental Association (Teething chart, When the teeth come marching in), Australian Dental Association (Babies), WebMD (Your Teeth From Birth to Adulthood), Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Teeth - Caring for your child's teeth), Tresillian (Teething)

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Last reviewed: September 2020


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