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Tooth Eruption

9 June 2024

The eruption of deciduous teeth, also known as the milk teeth, is a developmental stage that may be painful and usually begins from six to twelve months of age (sometimes the first eruption occurs before the age of six months). By two and a half to three years, 20 teeth are supposed to erupt. These teeth will later be shed and replaced by permanent teeth. The teeth do not always erupt at the same rate, so an interval of up to a year must be taken into account for teeth to erupt in infants whose growth curve is slower than average.

The first permanent teeth usually begin to erupt just before the age of six, and usually by the age of 13 the last of the 20 deciduous teeth will fall out and the 28 permanent ones will finish erupting (not including the wisdom teeth).

The signs of tooth eruption

  • A greater than usual quantity of saliva.
  • Frequently putting hands or objects into the mouth and scratching the gums.
  • Restlessness.
  • Prolonged crying.
  • Loss of appetite.

In addition, it has been claimed that tooth eruption may lead to the onset of fever, a runny nose, cough and diarrhea, but this is controversial and the link between these occurrences remains unproved.

Ways to alleviate pain

There are several ways to help babies when teeth erupt:
  • Using a cold teether (after cooling in the fridge).
  • Massaging the gums with a finger.
  • Giving a fever reducer or pain reliever.
Not recommended:
  • It is not recommended to spread a lidocaine or benzocaine containing gel in the mouth.
  • It is not recommended to put on an amber teething, as a bead may be swollen or asphyxia may occur during sleep.
  • It is not recommended to use products that contain choline salicylate.

Usually, the eruption of deciduous teeth, also known as the milk teeth, begins from six to twelve months of age (sometimes the first eruption occurs before the age of six months). By two and a half to three years, 20 teeth are supposed to erupt. These teeth will later be shed and replaced by permanent teeth. Some infants may experience prolonged pain and excess salivation during tooth eruption.

The signs of tooth eruption

There are a number of possible signs of a new tooth being about to erupt in an infant’s mouth:

  • Greater amount of saliva than usual
  • Putting hands or objects into the mouth and scratching the gums
  • Restlessness
  • Prolonged crying
  • Loss of appetite

In addition, it has been claimed that tooth eruption may lead to onset of fever, a runny nose, cough and diarrhea, but this statement is controversial and the connection between these occurrences remains unproved. If these occurrences do happen, it is a good idea to seek a medical examination to find out their cause.

Order of eruption of deciduous teeth

From the age of about half a year, the first central incisors will start to erupt on the lower jaw. After this, until the age of two and a half years, the deciduous teeth will continue to erupt in the following order (average age is indicated):

  • The lower and upper incisors – half a year to a year.
  • The first molars – around the age of a year to a year and a half.
  • The canines – around a year to a year and a half.
  • The back molars – around the age of two to two and a half.

Of course, teeth do not erupt at the same rate in everyone, so a time span of up to a year should be taken into account for the eruption of teeth in infants whose growth curve is slower than average. It is important to note that late tooth eruption is of no significance for the future or for the permanent dentition (the permanent set of teeth), which will usually start at the age of six.

If the attending staff at the Family Care Center identifies late eruption or a deviation in the order of tooth eruption, you may get a referral for consultation at a dental clinic.

Order of eruption of permanent teeth

The first permanent teeth usually begin to erupt before the age of 6, and usually the shedding of the 20 deciduous teeth and the eruption of the 28 permanent teeth (not including wisdom teeth) will end by the age of 13.

The indicated age is the average age.

  • First molars (these do not replace existing teeth and erupt behind the deciduous teeth) and lower central incisors – age of 6-7 years.
  • Lower lateral incisors – 7-8 years.
  • Upper central and lateral incisors – 7-9 years.
  • Lower canines – 9-10 years.
  • First premolars (the teeth between the canines and molars) 10-11 years.
  • Second premolars and upper canines – 10-12 years.
  • Second molars – 11-13 years.
  • Third molars (wisdom teeth) will start to erupt at a later stage, if they are in a good position and there is enough room for them in the mouth – age 17-21 years.

It should be emphasized

It should be emphasized

If teeth straightening is necessary, treatment can usually start only after the permanent teeth start erupting (at the age of 12-13). However, in certain cases, a recommendation will be given to start treatment at an earlier age.

Pain relief during tooth eruption

There are a number of ways to help infants during tooth eruption:

  • Cold teether: if there is tooth eruption pain, it is a good idea to use a teether, which is a special kind of toy made of soft plastic filled with liquid. The teether is put in the refrigerator and when pain begins, the infant can be allowed to put it in his or her mouth. The coldness and rubbing help reduce swelling of gums and relive pain. Some infants find pain relief through the biting, even if the teether is not cold. It is important to make sure the teether is not torn and that no liquid leaks from it.
  • Gum massage: a clean finger may be put into the infant’s mouth to rub the gums very gently with rotating movements.
  • Fever reducer or pain reliever: when the infant appears to suffer greatly or has an abnormal body temperature, an antipyretic or analgesic may be administered at the permitted dose.

In addition, it is important to know what you must not do:

  • Spreading a lidocaine or benzocaine containing gel in the mouth: using a product containing lidocaine or benzocaine may cause very severe side effects, so the Ministry of Health warns against using these agents.
  • Amber teething necklace: the necklace’s effectiveness is unproved, but it is important to know that the necklace itself may pose a danger, as a bead may be swollen or asphyxia may occur during sleep.
  • Use of products containing choline salicylate: before using such products, make sure there is no underlying viral illness and avoid overdose. For this reason, it is better not to use these products in the first place and choose a non-medicinal treatment.

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