A lot of parents, especially those who have their first child, among all other questions related to bathing, crusts on the head, colic, solid food introduction, vaccines and many others, ask themselves the following teeth-related questions:
Around the 3rd or 4th month, salivation increases. Some children experience swelling in the front of the lower jaw (these are the first teeth that are expected to erupt), but the teeth of some children do not erupt so quickly.
The first temporary tooth (the lower incisor) erupts around the sixth month, soon after, within about five months the child is expected to have four teeth in the upper and as many in the lower jaw. In most cases the central bottom incisors erupt first, then the top four and then both bottom lateral incisors. Even if the sequence is different, there is nothing alarming.
At about sixteen months, the first molars erupt in the lower jaw, and soon after – those in the upper one. At this stage, there is still a blank space between the front teeth and the erupting tooth. It is intended for the canine teeth, which erupt 3- 4 months later.
Between months 24 and 30, the last temporary teeth are expected – the second molars.
At about 2,5- 3 years the child should have formed a stable temporary dentition with all 20 teeth. Before the fourth month, the eruption of the first temporary teeth is considered early, and six months after the usual time, it is considered late. In prematurely born children, it is normal for tooth eruption to be delayed, relative to the timing indicated above.
After all the teeth have erupted, it is normal for them not to be close together, but to have spaces between them. Most often it is between the incisors and canines in the upper jaw, and between the canines and first molars in the lower jaw. These spaces are called “primate spaces” and have a specific role to play, but this will be the topic of another article.
Dr. Angela Stoimenova, MD – Orthodontist and Chief Dentist
Dental Clinic Petar Duchev Kids
Dental Clinic Petar Duchev Ortho
