Babies' teeth emerge through a process called eruption, where teeth break through the gum line, generally within the first year.
The Teething Process Explained
Here's a more detailed look at how it happens:
- Hidden from the Start: Your baby is actually born with a full set of teeth already formed below their gums.
- Eruption Begins: Sometime during the first year, these teeth start to move towards the surface and break through the gum line. This process is known as eruption.
- Teething Symptoms: Teething can be uncomfortable for babies. According to the provided reference, teething can cause pain and discomfort in babies. The gums around their erupting teeth may be swollen and tender.
Teething Timeline: When to Expect What
While every baby is different, there's a general timeline for when teeth typically erupt.
| Tooth | Average Eruption Time |
|---|---|
| Lower Incisors | 6-10 months |
| Upper Incisors | 8-12 months |
| Upper Lateral Incisors | 9-13 months |
| Lower Lateral Incisors | 10-16 months |
| First Molars | 13-19 months |
| Canines | 16-22 months |
| Second Molars | 25-33 months |
