The arrival of a baby's first tooth is usually an occasion of great family excitement! But the story actually began well before the tooth's appearance.
Although a newborn baby is usually thought of as being without teeth, this is actually not the case. If you could see inside the tiny growing jaws of an unborn baby about the fifth week of prenatal life, you would see ten small bud-like structures in each jaw. Each bud represents the beginning of a primary or foundation tooth. As they grow, these tooth buds change in shape and by the fourteenth or sixteenth prenatal week, actual teeth are recognizable deep in the fetal jaw bones.
So at birth, the crowns of all twenty "baby" teeth are already well formed within the baby's gums. Even the enamel on the baby's first permanent molars is beginning to form at this time.
An expectant mother's prenatal diet is an important factor even in the development of her baby's teeth. She should always select foods in the interest of her baby as well as herself since her baby relies on her alone for nourishment.
Twelve Important Years!
Many parents are surprised to learn that the last "baby" tooth does not normally fall out until a child is 12 or 13 years old. Each tooth has a purpose and should remain in it's place until the permanent replacement tooth is ready to come in. As the permanent tooth develops and grows in, the root of the "baby" tooth it replaces gradually reabsorbs or "dissolves away". It gradually and progressively loosens and eventually falls out. Losing a "baby" tooth too early by injury or extraction may cause poorly positioned permanent teeth and orthodontic problems.
Why are these teeth so important?
- A child needs them to chew food well during an important period of growth and development.
- They are foundation teeth designated to hold space for the proper positioning of the permanent replacement teeth.
- They are necessary for normal speech development.
- They contribute to an attractive smile and appearance.
Six Year Molar
Parents and children will usually notice new teeth coming in at the front, but often do not realize when the first permanent molar arrives. This molar does not replace a baby tooth but erupts behind the last "baby" molar where the jaw has grown larger. It is a very important tooth with deeper pits and grooves that are at risk for decay.
Teeth in Infancy
"Baby" teeth will appear in a baby's mouth at different times. Usually the two lower front incisors begin to show around 6 – 8 months. They are usually followed by the 2 front upper incisors.
Upper Jaw
- Central Incisor, 7 to 9 Months
- Lateral Incisor, 8 to 10 Months
- Cuspid, 16 to 18 Months
- First Molar, 13 to 14 Months
- Second Molar, 20 to 24 Months
Lower Jaw
- Second Molar,19 to 23 Months
- First Molar,12 to 13 Months
- Cuspid, 15 to 17 Months
- Lateral Incisor, 7 to 9 Months
- Central Incisor, 5 to 8 Months
Additional Information
Centre for Community Oral Health
Ontario Dental Hygenists' Association