Teething is the physiological process in which a child’s first baby teeth break through the gums. This typically occurs when the child is between 4 and 8 months old. In most cases, the two lower front teeth erupt first, followed by the four front teeth in the upper jaw. By around age 2.5, the full set of 20 baby teeth will have erupted. These baby teeth remain until the child reaches the age of 6–7, after which they are gradually replaced by the permanent adult teeth.
Take the shortcut to:
→ Teething: When your baby is teething
→ How to brush your baby's teeth
→ Pacifier or not: Do pacifiers cause crooked teeth?
Teething: When your baby is teething
Your baby's first tooth will emerge when your child is 4-8 months old. In most cases, the two bottom front teeth emerge first, and then they are followed by the four upper front teeth.
When a baby is teething, most parents find that their child:
- Drooling more than usual
- Has red gums
- Is irritated and anxious
- Bider
- Getting a slight fever
- Has diarrhea
- Sleeping poorly.
It's also quite normal for teeth to erupt smoothly and without the symptoms mentioned above.
Tip. It's a good idea to give your child something hard and cold to bite on or to massage their gums with a clean finger. This has a soothing effect on irritated gums.
By the time your child is around 2.5 years old, all 20 teeth will be in place - 10 in the upper mouth and 10 in the lower mouth. All teeth are baby teeth, which will later be replaced with permanent teeth around 6-7 years of age.
Symptoms of teething (fever, diarrhea, and fussiness)
How to brush your baby's teeth
As soon as the very first little tooth erupts, the enamel is particularly susceptible to bacteria. It is therefore crucial for preventing cavities to establish a regular brushing routine in the morning and at night from day one. Since brushing technique and fluoride dosage are essential for healthy baby teeth, our specialists have compiled all the instructions in this Clinical Guide to Brushing Children's Teeth.
The guide also covers the use of dental floss, which should be started as soon as all 20 baby teeth have fully erupted.
Tips for brushing babies and young children
- Brush with a small toothbrush to make it easier to get around.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste in an amount equal to the size of the child's little fingernail.
- Remember to brush all teeth and be diligent.
- It's best to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed.
No matter how well the teeth are brushed, the brush can't reach between the two sides between each tooth must also be kept clean, and flossing does that. Flossing should be started when the child has all their baby teeth.
Pacifier or not: Do pacifiers cause crooked teeth?
In Denmark, most babies and young children use pacifiers. As a parent of a toddler, you know that the pacifier can be a huge help when you have a restless child or a child who has trouble sleeping.
You can let your baby use a pacifier with a clear conscience, but there are some things you need to be aware of as a parent - especially when it comes to teething problems.
Be aware:
- The sucking technique when breastfeeding is different to the one your baby uses with a pacifier in their mouth. Therefore, we recommend that you do not introduce your newborn to the pacifier until breastfeeding is fully established. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.
- Pacifiers should be sterilized before use and boiled daily to prevent fungal and bacterial growth on the surface of the pacifier. Broken and worn pacifiers should be discarded.
- The pacifier should not be dipped in sugar, honey, juice or other sweets - this can cause tooth decay when they erupt.
- Pacifiers can cause both poor tongue use, overbites and "suction bites" (when the front teeth can't bite together).
- How much damage a pacifier causes depends on how many hours the pacifier is in the mouth, how vigorously it is sucked and how many years the child has been using it.
- Your child should stop using a pacifier before he/she is three and a half years old. Any longer and your child risks braces later in life.
To reduce the risk of pacifier injuries, limit pacifier use as much as possible during both daytime and nighttime hours. At night, the pacifier can be removed once your baby has fallen asleep - this can have the added benefit that over time, your baby won't wake up every time the pacifier is dropped.
The good news is that if your child is completely off the pacifier by the age of three and a half at the latest, most malocclusions will spontaneously correct themselves.
FAQ - babies' teeth
When do babies get teeth?
Babies usually get their first teeth between 4 and 7 months of age, but this can vary. The first teeth that typically emerge are the lower front teeth. Teething continues gradually and most children have all 20 milk teeth by around 2-3 years of age. However, each child's development is unique, so the timeline may vary.
How do I make toothbrushing fun?
To make brushing fun for your baby, try singing a song, making funny noises or creating a little play with the toothbrush. Choose a soft, colorful children's toothbrush and use a small amount of children's toothpaste. Make it a daily routine and actively involve your child so that brushing becomes a positive and enjoyable experience.
When do you start brushing a baby's teeth?
You should start brushing a baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, which typically happens between 4 and 7 months of age. Use a soft children's toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. It's important to introduce toothbrushing as a daily routine to promote healthy dental habits from an early age.
