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When teeth appear is variable and based on heredity. Some babies teethe earlier, some later. Girls tend to teethe earlier than boys. They usually appear in fours, 2 lower then 2 upper. On average, the first tooth appears at 6 months.

- At about 6 months of age, the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) generally erupt. These are followed by the upper incisors and both upper and lower lateral incisors.

- By the first birthday, eight incisors are usually present. (4 upper middle & 4 bottom middle)

- At about 15 months of age, the first 4 primary molars (back teeth used for grinding food) erupt. (2 upper and 2 lower)

- Around age 2, the 4 canines are present. (2 upper & 2 lower)

- Around age 2 1/2, the second 4 primary molars erupt. (2 upper & 2 lower)

- By three years of age, all of the primary teeth are generally present.

What to expect while baby is teething

Teeth slowly slide and twist their way through sore gum tissue, which is painful. You know your baby is teething by doing the Gum-Massage Test: run your finger along the edge of the gums, if you feel swollen ridges then they are teething. If the baby will let you, you can look inside and actually see a bulging blue pocket on the gums. Molar teething is the most difficult or when several teeth are coming out at once. Some babies are more susceptible to illness while teething.

-          Drooling: which can cause a drool rash on the mouth, drool cough, drool diarrhea, diaper rash, low fever (max 101 F), and irritability.

-          Biting: you will notice an increase in biting, on the spoon when you feed him, your hands, and sometimes breast.

-          Night waking: Growing teeth don’t rest at night. A previously good sleeper may frequently awaken during peak teething times.

-          Refusing to eat: a few babies may refuse to eat solids in this time, and sometimes refuse to nurse too from the pain. Try cold applesauce or frozen fruit slush.

How to soothe the pain

-          Can use a cold spoon when feeding solids

-          Something to bite on: Popsicle, frozen bagel, refrigerated teething ring, chicken leg bone, teething biscuits, cold washcloth, chamomile tea on a washcloth then put in freezer for 30 minutes.

-          Anbesol not recommended because their safety is not assured. Also, the numbing feeling it produces can be just as painful.

-          For using Tylenol, you could use it at night before bed for one night or two, but it’s not good to give too much because it uses the liver to work. Homeopathic teething tablets are a safer, natural, and better way. 

Brushing

-          Dentists now recommend cleaning the gums and teeth when they first appear. Use a gauze wrapped finger every night before bedtime. Make it part of the routine so it becomes a habit.

-          By 18 months, they can try to brush their own teeth. Be a good model and show excitement. First let baby play with toothbrush and try to brush the teeth by herself. Then you can hold her hand while she holds the brush and brush them well.

-          You don’t need toothpaste until all the teeth come in, then you can use children’s toothpaste. There is non-fluoride toothpaste for infants that are safe to use and swallow. 

What to expect in the first dentist visit

- Your child's first dental visit should occur near their first birthday or 6 months after their first tooth erupts. They would see a pediatric dentist.

- You hold your child while the dentist quickly looks at the teeth.

- It is recommended that children see their dentist every six months so they get used to visiting the dentist and any decay can be discovered and treated early. Prevention is the key.