When Should My Baby's First Tooth Arrive?

The arrival of your baby's first tooth is an exciting and major developmental milestone! Many parents wonder when they can expect this milestone to happen, and while there is a general timeline, it varies from child to child.

General Timeline for Your Baby's First Tooth

Most babies will get their first tooth between the ages of 4 and 7 months, but it’s important to remember that this timeline can vary. Here are some key points to consider:

• Early Teeth: Some babies may start teething as early as 3 months, while others may not see their first tooth until after their first birthday.

• Genetics: The timing of tooth eruption can often be influenced by family history. If parents or siblings had early or late teething, it may affect your baby.

• Teething Symptoms: Look for signs such as drooling, irritability, and a desire to chew on objects, which may indicate that teeth are beginning to break through the gums.

Order of Tooth Eruption

In general, the first teeth to appear will be the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors. While it can vary, the general order of tooth eruption is as follows:

• Lower central incisors: 6-10 months

• Upper central incisors: 8-12 months

• Upper lateral incisors: 9-13 months

• Lower lateral incisors: 10-16 months

• First molars: 13-19 months

• Canines (cuspids): 16-22 months

• Second molars: 25-33 months

When to Consult Your Pediatric Dentist

If your baby has not started teething by the age of 12 months, or if you have concerns about their dental development, it's a good idea to consult your pediatric dentist in order to ensure your baby’s teething are developing normally, as well as to receive some guidance.

While the timing of your baby's first tooth can vary, understanding the general timeline and signs of teething can help you prepare for this exciting developmental milestone. It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and knowing what to expect helps you to better prepare.