My baby’s first tooth came in when she was 6 and a half months of age, and she followed the expected path of growing teeth after that. Baby teeth are also called primary or deciduous teeth. They typically begin to appear in the mouths of most babies between 6 and 12 months of age, but they actually begin to grow beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy.
What Determines When My Baby’s First Tooth Will Emerge?
Genetics play a large role in the emergence of a baby’s first tooth. Typically, a baby starts to get teeth at about the same age as one or both of the parents. Of course, you’ll need to ask your parents how old you were when you got your first baby tooth. This is an important piece of information since it gives you an idea of what to expect with your own child. Your baby’s first tooth should emerge at about the same time.
This rule isn’t set in stone either, so variations do exist. For example, babies who are born prematurely tend not to follow the parents’ patterns. In fact, premature babies often experience slower growth in many areas, including the development of the first baby tooth.
Where Does the Baby’s First Tooth Appear?
For most children, the lower central incisors show up as baby’s first teeth. They might come in one at a time, or first one tooth might appear and then the next one. After those two teeth appear, the upper central incisors come in next, followed by the lateral incisors, the first molars, the canines, and the second molars.
Is There Something Wrong If My Baby’s First Tooth Hasn’t Come in by 12 Months of Age?
While most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months, there are going to be some children at both ends of the spectrum. Some babies won’t get a first tooth until after a full year has come and gone, but usually no later than 14 months. Most likely, nothing is wrong if you are still waiting for that first tooth on your child’s first birthday.
