Article Summary
• Baby teeth typically begin erupting around 6 months and are usually complete by age 3.
• Early dental care is important because baby teeth support nutrition, speech, and adult tooth development.
• Dentists recommend a first visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth.
• Regular six-month checkups help prevent cavities and monitor growth and alignment.
• Early visits promote healthy habits and reduce anxiety about dental care.
When Do Baby Teeth Come in and When Should Babies See a Dentist?
Some people may think that dental care is only for adults, but that is not correct. People of all ages—babies, children, teens, and adults– need to see a dentist regularly. Two important dental questions for parents are, “When do baby teeth come in, and when should we first take our baby to the dentist?”
About Baby Teeth
A person has two sets of teeth over their lifetime—baby teeth and adult teeth. When do baby teeth come in? Baby teeth start to appear at about 6 months of age, and children usually have their full set of 20 baby teeth by age 3. From about 6 or 7 years of age, some baby teeth start to fall out and are slowly replaced by adult teeth. By around 21 years of age, the average person has a full set of 32 adult teeth.
Teeth play an important role in eating, chewing, and nutrition. They help individuals form sounds and speak clearly, and are an important part of a person’s smile. Baby teeth play an important role in holding space for their adult teeth. Thus, for all these reasons, it is important to keep baby teeth healthy and prevent early loss of these teeth due to disease.
Baby teeth are at risk for cavities as soon as they first appear. The good news is that cavities are preventable.
When Should Babies See a Dentist?
Babies should usually be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after their first baby teeth come in. Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association recommend that every child connect with a dentist no later than 12 months of age. Thereafter, children should visit the dentist every six months, scheduling routine cleanings and exams to ensure their teeth remain in excellent condition. A child’s jawbones, bite, alignment, and chewing change constantly as they grow, so dental check-ups every six months ensure effective preventative treatment and help children become more comfortable with routine visits.
When Do Baby Teeth Come in and The First Dental Visit?
About 6 months after the first baby teeth come in, or no later than 12 months of age, a child should see a dentist for the first time. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives the child a chance to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. The dentist will check the child’s teeth for decay, examine their bite, and look for any potential oral problems. If needed, the dentist may also have a gentle cleaning. The dentist will also offer suggestions for preventative home care.
The dentist will help schedule follow-up visits, generally every 6 months.
Ample Guidance for Care After a Child’s First Baby Teeth Come in And Beyond
Consider these resources in addition to the guidance of your dentist:
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., for dental care you can trust. We use practical treatment plans, using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.