Teeth form from embryonic cells, grow, and then erupt through the gums and into the mouth. Eruption happens at different times for every child. Typically, the first teeth erupt around 6 months, and it is usually the bottom two teeth in the front that are the first to erupt. After that, the top four teeth in the front will come through, and then slowly over time the other teeth emerge.

Primary Teeth

The teeth usually come in pairs until a complete set of primary teeth have emerged. Children should expect to have all their primary teeth between the ages of 2 to 3.

You usually have your primary teeth between the ages of 2 to 7 years old. From the time you are born, you will usually get about 4 teeth every six months until they’ve all erupted. In general, girls usually get their teeth before boys, and the lower teeth will usually erupt before the upper teeth.

One interesting fact about primary teeth is that when they erupt in pairs, one will emerge on the right side, and the other on the left side. Compared to your permanent teeth, your primary teeth are smaller and whiter.

Jaw & Bone Development

Around the age of 4, the jaw and bones in the face start to grow, so this creates spaces between the baby teeth. A baby’s jaw is almost 50% of its adult size at birth, and by six years old their jaws are almost 80% of their adult size. Most of the jaw growth happens in the first four years of age.

An important positive influence of jaw development is breastfeeding; there are nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, but breastfeeding also helps develop the oral cavity, airway shape, and facial form.

Every child should be seen by a dentist when their first tooth comes in, or at least by the age of 1. If you are ready to make an appointment for your baby, call Vann Family Dental today! You can also schedule an appointment online.