HTML Preview Baby Tooth Loss Chart page number 1.
Wipe your child’s gums with a wet washcloth or a
clean gauze pad after each feeding. Begin brushing
your child’s teeth with a little water as soon as the
first tooth appears. Supervise toothbrushing to
make sure that children older than 2 years use
only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and
avoid swallowing it. Children should be taught to
spit out remaining toothpaste and rinse with water
after brushing.
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Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation with
The Journal of the American Dental Association and the ADA Council on
Scientific Affairs. Unlike other portions of JADA, this page may be
clipped and copied as a handout for patients, without first obtaining
reprint permission from the ADA Publishing Division. Any other use,
copying or distribution, whether in printed or electronic form, is strictly
prohibited without prior written consent of the ADA Publishing Division.
“For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental treat-
ments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion between
dentist and patient about treatment options and does not substitute for
the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual patient’s
needs and desires.
W
e don’t usually think of a newborn
as having teeth. However, at birth
the crowns of the 20 “baby” or pri-
mary teeth are almost completely
formed, and they are hidden from
view in an infant’s jawbones. The primary teeth
gradually erupt through the gums during the first
2
1
⁄2 years of life.
The four front teeth—two upper and two lower—
usually erupt first, beginning as early as six
months after birth. Most children have a full set of
primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old. The
child’s jaws continue to grow, making room for the
permanent (adult) teeth that will begin to erupt at
about age 6 years. Primary teeth begin to shed
between ages 6 and 7 years. This process continues
until about age 12 years.
The chart and photograph identify the names of
the primary teeth and provide the approximate ages
at which you can expect the teeth to erupt and shed.
Primary teeth may be temporary, but they
deserve good care. A child needs strong, healthy
primary teeth not only to chew food easily, but to
pronounce words properly.
This first set of teeth also holds a place in the
jaw for the permanent teeth, which move into place
as the primary teeth are shed. Primary teeth
should be kept clean and healthy so that a child can
remain free of cavities and oral pain. Infection from
decayed primary teeth can damage the permanent
teeth developing under them.
Parents and other caregivers may not realize
that primary teeth are susceptible to decay as soon
as they appear in the mouth. Tooth decay in infants
and toddlers sometimes is called early childhood
caries, baby bottle tooth decay or nursing mouth
syndrome. This condition can destroy teeth. It
occurs when a child’s teeth are exposed frequently
to sugary liquids for long periods.
You can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Never allow your infant or toddler to fall asleep
with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices
or sweetened liquid. Don’t dip a pacifier in sugar or
honey. If your infant or toddler needs a comforter
between regular feedings or at bedtime, give the
child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist
or pediatrician.
JADA, Vol. 136 www.ada.org/goto/jada November 2005 1619
FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...
Tooth eruption
The primary teeth
Upper Teeth
Central Incisor
Lateral Incisor
Canine (Cuspid)
First Molar
Second Molar
Erupt
8-12 Months
9-13 Months
16-22 Months
13-19 Months
25-33 Months
Erupt
23-31 Months
14-18 Months
17-23 Months
10-16 Months
6-10 Months
Lower Teeth
Central Incisor
Lateral Incisor
Canine (Cuspid)
First Molar
Second Molar
Primary Teeth
Erupt
8-12 Months
9-13 Months
16-22 Months
13-19 Months
25-33 Months
Erupt
23-31 Months
14-18 Months
17-23 Months
10-16 Months
6-10 Months
Shed
6-7 Years
7-8 Years
10-12 Years
9-11 Years
10-12 Years
Shed
10-12 Years
9-11 Years
9-12 Years
7-8 Years
6-7 Years
Copyright ©2005 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.