Babies are born with a full set of 20 teeth beneath the gums, commonly known as baby teeth or primary teeth. Although the teeth are hidden, the process of teeth development begins while the baby is still in the womb.

Around the age of 6 months, the teeth start to emerge through the gums, and this process continues until the age of 3 years when all teeth have erupted.

What is the Process of Teeth Eruption?

The process of teeth eruption can be broken down into three distinct stages. During the first stage, the front teeth at the bottom emerge first. This stage usually occurs around the age of 6 to 10 months.

The second stage is when the front teeth at the top emerge, which usually occurs around the age of 8 to 12 months. The third stage is when the molars and canines appear, usually between the ages of 12 to 24 months.

What Does Teething Look Like?

The first signs of teething include drooling, crankiness, and irritability. The gums become swollen, and the baby may start to chew or bite on objects to relieve the pain.

Although teething can be a stressful time for both the baby and parents, it is a natural process and nothing to worry about.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Just as baby teeth emerge, they will eventually fall out. This is a natural process and is an essential part of a child’s oral development.

A baby’s teeth will start to fall out typically around the ages of 6 to 7 years old, although it can start as early as 4 or as late as 8 years old. The timing of the baby teeth’s falling out varies between different children and does not always follow the same pattern as when they appeared.

Which Baby Teeth Fall Out First?

The first teeth that fall out are usually the front teeth at the bottom, also known as the lower central incisors, and the front teeth at the top, also known as the upper central incisors.

These usually fall out around the age of 6 to 7 years old, before the back teeth.

What Happens After Baby Teeth Fall Out?

After a baby’s tooth falls out, a new permanent tooth will start to emerge in its place. The process of permanent teeth emerging takes longer than baby teeth and can take several months or even years.

The back teeth, also known as molars, are the last to fall out, usually around the age of 10 to 12 years old.

How to Care for a Child’s Teeth After they Fall Out?

After a child’s baby teeth fall out, it is essential to care for the new adult teeth properly.

Parents should ensure that their children brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily; this will help to prevent cavities and maintain good oral hygiene. Dental checkups should also be scheduled every six months to detect any potential issues and address them before they become worse.

What Happens if Baby Teeth Do Not Fall Out?

Although rare, it is possible for baby teeth not to fall out naturally. This can occur if a permanent tooth is not properly aligned, causing it to grow behind or in front of the baby tooth.

If this happens, the baby tooth may need to be extracted to allow the permanent tooth to emerge naturally.

What If the Permanent Teeth Do Not Emerge?

In some cases, a permanent tooth may not grow and emerge altogether. This can occur due to genetic factors, poor oral hygiene, or other health issues.

If a permanent tooth does not emerge, a dentist may need to consider implant or prosthetic solutions, depending on the location and other factors.

Conclusion

Teething and the eruption of baby and permanent teeth is a natural process that every child experiences.

Parents must stay vigilant in providing good oral care and monitoring their child’s dental health, especially during the ages when baby teeth begin to fall out. By maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups, parents can ensure their child’s teeth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime.