SMILE!

All you need to know about baby’s first teeth and how to take care of them properly

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At around six months of age, baby loses the adorable gummy grin and starts smiling wide with his first tooth. Cute as this may be, along with teeth come teething problems and a new routine for dental care. Here are the most common questions parents have about baby’s precious little pearls.

WHEN SHOULD WE EXPECT OUR BABY’S TEETH TO APPEAR?

The appearance of the first tooth is as variable as the timing of baby’s first steps, but in general expect the first sharp nubbin at around six months; some babies teethe earlier, some later.

Actually, babies are born with a full set of 20 primary teeth. They are just buried in the gums, waiting in line for their time to sprout. Teeth push through in upper and lower pairs: Generally the lower appear before their upper gum mates, and girls teethe slightly earlier than boys. The ‘rule of four’ is how teeth usually appear. Beginning around six months, expect four new teeth every four months until complete, usually by two and a half years.

Teeth come through gums at unusual angles. Some come out straight, while others first appear crooked but straighten as they twist their way through. Don’t fret about spaces. It’s easier to clean between spaced teeth, and the spacing of the baby teeth doesn’t necessarily reflect how the permanent teeth will appear.

HOW CAN WE TELL IF BABY IS TEETHING?