Tooth Development in Children
Your child's dental development begins as early as six weeks into pregnancy – a little early for brushing and flossing! But soon, usually around six to eight months after birth, tiny tooth buds will break through their gums, lower incisors first, uppers usually later.
The average child will have a full set of primary (baby or deciduous) teeth by the age of 2½ years. A child learns to eat and speak properly with the help of these first teeth. These teeth also hold space open for permanent teeth, and help the jaws find their correct alignment.
It is perfectly normal to see spaces between your child's primary teeth. In fact, children with spaces between their primary teeth are less likely to need orthodontic work later, such as braces. If your child has crowded teeth, or loses a tooth through an accident, we can help. In fact, early intervention is essential, and can often prevent the need for braces later on.
Around your child's sixth birthday, permanent teeth begin to erupt. The process varies from child to child, so don't worry if other kids your child's age have lost more or fewer teeth. Teeth usually erupt earlier in girls than in boys, and again, the lowers often come in before the uppers.
Sometimes the permanent teeth appear behind the primary incisors before the baby teeth are even loose, especially with the lower teeth. This can look like two rows of teeth. Rest assured that usually, with time, the baby teeth will be pushed out and the permanent teeth will take their place.
