Baby Teething Order: When to Seek Dental Advice

The order of tooth eruption in infants?

Hello Doctor, my baby just turned 8 months old, and the two lower front teeth have come in.
Next should be the upper front teeth, but now the two teeth next to the upper front teeth are coming in instead.
Is it a concern if the teeth are not erupting in order? How long should we wait for the upper front teeth to come in before seeking a doctor's evaluation? If we need to see a doctor, should we make an appointment with pediatrics or directly with a dentist? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Mei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/07

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
May,
Hello! As mentioned, the order is different! You should consult a pediatric dentist for an accurate diagnosis.
Please communicate more with your physician.
Thank you! Wishing you safety!
Sincerely,
Director Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2016/12/07

More Info

Teething can be a challenging experience for both babies and their parents. It's common for parents to have questions about the order of tooth eruption and when to seek dental advice. In your case, your baby is currently 8 months old and has already developed two lower front teeth (lower incisors). You mentioned that the upper incisors are not yet visible, but the two teeth next to them (upper lateral incisors) are starting to come in.
First, it's important to understand that the order of tooth eruption can vary significantly from one child to another. While there is a general guideline for the sequence of tooth eruption, deviations from this pattern are not uncommon. Typically, the lower central incisors appear first, followed by the upper central incisors, and then the lateral incisors. However, some children may experience variations, such as lateral incisors erupting before central incisors. This can be perfectly normal and does not usually indicate any underlying dental issues.

As for when to seek dental advice, if your baby has not developed any upper central incisors by the time they reach 12 months, it would be advisable to consult a pediatric dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts. This early visit can help establish a dental home and allow for monitoring of your child's dental development.

If you decide to seek dental advice, you should directly schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist rather than a pediatrician. Pediatric dentists specialize in the dental care of children and are trained to handle the unique needs of young patients, including teething issues, cavity prevention, and overall oral health.

In addition to monitoring the eruption of teeth, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene for your baby. Even before all the teeth have erupted, you can start cleaning your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth. Once the teeth begin to come in, you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth twice a day. This practice helps prevent cavities and establishes a routine for oral care.

If you notice any signs of discomfort, such as excessive drooling, irritability, or difficulty sleeping, these could be signs of teething. While teething can cause some discomfort, it is generally manageable with simple home remedies, such as offering a teething ring or gently massaging the gums with a clean finger.

In summary, while the order of tooth eruption can vary, it is essential to monitor your child's dental development and seek advice from a pediatric dentist if you have concerns. Establishing good oral hygiene practices early on will help set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a dental professional for guidance.

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