Teeth

A Great Start for Toddlers' Teeth

Tooth Eruption

After waiting in the gums for a long time, this is when the teeth usually appear. Don't worry though if they're late.

Tooth                         Month
UPPER
Incisors                        7-12              (front 4)
Canine                        16-24             (next to the front 4)
First Molars                15-21             (last but one)
Second Molars           20-30             (last)

LOWER
Second Molars            20-30            (last)
First Molars                 15-21            (last but one)
Canine                         15-21            (next to the front four)
Incisors                          6-9              (front 4)

The first tooth will usually appear between the ages of 6 and 8 months.  At 12 months old, your baby will probably have eight teeth and will be starting to cut four more.

By about 3 years old, most children will have a full set of baby (milk) teeth.  The 20 baby teeth should be pushed out by the second ones.  This usually happens between the ages of 6-12 years.

Teething

Between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, the first teeth are coming through (erupting). At this time children may suffer from many minor illnesses with no obvious cause. Many mothers and doctors blame these illnesses on teething.

Most symptoms are minor and relate to discomfort rather than physical illness. A raised temperature, rashes, running nose, bad temper or extra dirty nappies are not linked to teething.

Teething may cause dribbling more than usual, difficulty in sleeping, chewing or biting on hard surfaces, flushed cheeks or restlessness.

Symptoms of teething may be relieved by giving the child something hard to chew on, e.g. a teething ring or sugar free teething rusks.

Teething preparations and baby pain relief are available from the chemist or your doctor. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to contact your dentist, health visitor or doctor.

Source: A Great Start for Toddlers' Teeth Leaflet, produced by the Gwent Community Dental Directorate, Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust

This leaflet can be picked up from:
Family Information Service
Heart of the Valleys Integrated Children's Centre
High Street
Blaina
Abertillery
NP13 3BN
Tel. No: 08000 32 33 39 (Freefone)

Some dentists or doctors may also hold copies of this leaflet.

3 Steps for Healthy Teeth

Growing children need a healthy diet and need to brush their teeth and gums twice a day to keep their mouths healthy.

Step 1

Brush your teeth regularly twice a day, once in the morning and again before you go to bed.  Use a Fluoride toothpaste because it helps to keep your teeth in good health.

Step 2

Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.  If you need a snack, eat a healthy one.  For example, fruit; toast; low fat, low salt crisps; bread or a sandwich with a savoury filling.
Try raw vegetables such as a carrot, a stick of celery or some peas.
Milk and water are healthy drinks.

Step 3

Visit the dentist regularly.

Need to find your local dentist? Either, use our map here, or check out our full list here.