The emergence of a child’s teeth is sometimes surprising and unfortunately not always predictable. While in some, the teeth appear in the first months, it also happens that in others, the very first does not erupt until quite late, possibly until the age of one year.

Even if the teeth decide their own release date, and each child follows their own pace, there are nonetheless a few averages that can help parents anticipate teething and compare with their baby’s teeth:

• The first teeth to appear are the two lower central incisors. We can start to see them coming out around the age of 4 or 5 months;
• Then come their superior twins, always between 4 and 5 or 6 months;
• Then between 6 and 12 months, it is the upper lateral incisors which continue this teething, followed by the lower lateral ones, which increases the number of teeth of the baby to 8;
• From 12 to 18 months, the first four small molars (two at the top and two at the bottom) are implanted in the baby’s mouth. Then follow the four canines;
• Finally, between 24 and 30 months, it is the 4 second small molars that come up the rear and increase the number of teeth to 22.

As they grow older, the primary teeth, also called milk teeth, will gradually fall out to reveal the child’s permanent teeth. Here is a few figures, the order in which these replacements will be made:

• From 5 to 8 years, it is in order, the median then lateral incisors which are replaced;
• Between the ages of 9 and 12, the canines fall out one after the other, then it is the turn of the first and second temporary molars. The latter are then replaced by the definitive and larger molars and premolars.

Many and small ailments quite often accompany the breaking out of teeth in children. Irritations, local pain and intestinal disorders, can appear and disturb the little one in his daily life and his sleep.

The baby most often has a circular redness on his cheeks and saliva more than usual. He places his hands in his mouth and tries to bite or chew his rattles, this is a sign that a tooth is about to appear. Sometimes, in addition to these symptoms, a diaper rash that must be relieved quickly enough to limit the discomfort of the infant.

To help your child pass this milestone without suffering too much, small, simple gestures can soothe him. You can encourage him to bite a teething ring, a cracker or a piece of well-baked bread to calm him down. A small massage of the swollen gums with your finger wrapped in a clean diaper (after washing your hands well) can also be good for your baby. Finally, if the pain is too strong, paracetamol can help and soothe it, but ask your doctor for advice.

On the other hand, teething is not particularly accompanied by fever. It can be another disease sometimes associated with these phenomena, such as an ear infection, but it is up to the doctor to make a diagnosis and to propose a treatment.

To preserve her baby teeth and teach her how to adopt a good dental hygiene routine, start setting an example when she is 18 months old. By brushing your teeth daily in front of your child, you make him want to imitate you and you make his actions a lasting part of his daily life. Also offer them a toothbrush and toothpaste adapted to their age and teeth and take the time to explain the importance of this care.

Finally, it is also important to show him the right gestures: brush from the gum towards the edge of the teeth and rub in front and behind, all for at least a minute. Finally, from the age of 3, consider scheduling annual visits to the dentist to regularly check and monitor the good condition of their small primary teeth.

But more than an apprenticeship, good oral hygiene begins with good nutrition. So, in addition to teaching your child how to brush their teeth well, vary foods rich in minerals and good for their health.