Every child's development is different, but the first baby tooth is typically a lower central incisor and comes in between ages 4–7 months. The arrival of the first baby tooth is an exciting moment in your child's development and your cue to schedule your child's first visit to our Phoenix, AZ, pediatric dental office.
There's no set schedule for the arrival of baby teeth, so we like to see them no later than age one, regardless of whether or not they have baby teeth. Of course, we always welcome you to call us if you have any questions or concerns!
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Some signs that your baby is teething are:
- Irritability
- Red or swollen gums
- Mild fever
- Flushed cheek or facial rash
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing or gnawing on toys
- Restless sleep or crying at night
You can help ease your baby's discomfort by massaging their gums or offering a teething ring or frozen washcloth to chew on. If they are having a particularly rough time, ask your pediatrician if they recommend acetaminophen to minimize discomfort.
Start Brushing Baby Teeth Right Away
You should start oral hygiene for your child as soon as the first baby tooth appears. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice and brush twice a day.
Brushing is essential for your baby's oral health and also helps establish oral hygiene as a usual part of their daily routine.
Schedule Your Child's First Dental Visit
At Maryvale Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we know that parents have many questions about their child's dental health and development, and we are here to help! If it's time for your child's age-one dental visit or you have another concern, please call our children's dentists in Phoenix, AZ, to schedule an appointment.