Dental Development

As a sign of general development, an infant’s tooth is a significant event. But that first tooth is also the signal that an important process, dental development has begun.

The process goes on for a long time. Teething occurs almost constantly for about two years. Then there is a short break before the permanent teeth start to come in at about age 6. Between the ages of 6 and 12, nearly all the permanent teeth come in.

Have a look at the following eruption charts. There’s a lot going on, and all of it is critical to your child’s development.

First teeth are vital in helping your child eat and learn to speak properly. Healthy teeth also play an important role in how children look and how they look affects how they feel about themselves.

First teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help guide them into the correct position. They also contribute to healthy jaw development by guiding it into position. Permanent teeth can become crowded when first teeth are removed before their time. If first teeth develop deep cavities, the infection can spread to the developing permanent teeth underneath.

The eruption charts show you when teeth come in and when they are due to fall out. Ages given are averages, but children vary at all stages of development.