Seeing those first baby teeth is a special moment for every parent. It signals the next stage in your child’s growing journey, and it’s natural for you to be concerned about the process. Every baby is different, and knowing what to look for removes some of the anxiety so that you can focus on this monumental moment. The first question many parents ask is how long a baby tooth takes to grow, but there are other questions you would benefit from knowing the answers to, as well.
Understanding Your Child’s Dental Development
How long it takes for a baby tooth to come in depends on the child. On average, you can expect baby teeth to break through the gums when your child is 4 to 6 months old. Some babies start teething as early as 3 months old. Others can be a year old before their first teeth begin to show.
How Long Do Babies Teethe Before a Tooth Comes In?
Baby teeth often come in pairs, but teething isn’t constant. Your little one should only experience teething symptoms for between a week and 10 days — several days before the teeth appear and a couple of days afterward. Wondering if your baby is teething? Look for the following symptoms:
- Mild fever
- Drooling
- Fussiness
- Biting and chewing
- Changes in appetite
How Long Does It Take for a Baby Tooth to Erupt?
Baby teeth come in at different times. The bottom front teeth, or central incisors, come first, followed by the top two. Lateral incisors come between nine months and a year, followed by canines, first molars and second molars. Your child should have a complete set of 20 teeth at around 3 years of age.
How Long Does It Take for a Baby Tooth to Emerge Fully?
A tooth generally takes around eight or so days to fully emerge. In some cases, it may take longer or shorter. Every child is different, and variations in teething timelines are entirely normal. Consult a reputable pediatric dentist if you have concerns about your child’s teething schedule.
Take Care of Your Baby’s First Teeth With Fox Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics
From the moment you see your baby’s first tooth, you may start to think about future dental care. The pediatric dentists at Fox Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics have specialist training to work with children, providing the best possible experience as these patients make their first trips to the dentist. We are here to navigate this journey with you, involving you in every step of the dental care process.
Schedule an appointment with our team for personalized advice and support today!