By Capitol Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

The arrival of your baby’s first teeth is a milestone that often comes with both excitement and concern. You notice changes—irritability, drooling, and an insatiable need to chew on almost everything. These are all normal signs, and being aware of the timeline can help you prepare for the situation. Most babies get their first tooth at 6 to 12 months, says the American Dental Association (ADA), with all 20 primary teeth present by age 3.

Knowing what is normal for your child helps you respond with care rather than worry. Each baby is different, but monitoring the average teething milestones will help you ensure healthy development.

The Teething Timeline

6–10 months: The bottom front teeth (central incisors) first appear.
8–12 months: The top front teeth follow soon.
9–16 months: Side teeth begin to erupt.
13–19 months: Back teeth molars appear.
16–23 months: Canines complete the gaps.
23–33 months: Second molars complete the baby set.

By age 3, most children have all their baby teeth for normal speech, chewing, and jaw growth.

How to Comfort a Teething Baby

Parents are curious about what works when their little one is annoyed by teething discomfort. While every child is unique, these old favorites bring relief:

Apply cold teething rings (not ice, which can damage gums).
Gently massage gums with a clean finger.
Offer safe things (frozen breast milk, feeding biscuits, cold washcloths, and chilled pacifiers) to chew that are designed for teething.
Maintain usual feeding to comfort your child and preserve nutrition levels.

Avoid rubbing alcohol, numbing gels, or random hard objects for teething, as a pediatric dentist in Washington alerts parents against their use.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

Baby teeth are not permanent, but their health lays the groundwork for adult teeth. Cavities in primary teeth can spread quickly, leading to pain and difficulty eating. Pediatric dentists recommend a first visit to the dentist by your child’s first birthday or six months following the eruption of the first tooth.

Regular visits to a Washington pediatric dentist give parents professional guidance, as well as help children learn good habits early in life. Establishing this connection also provides reassurance that you are on the right track with your child’s oral care.

Create Healthy Habits at Home

Once teeth begin to come through, daily care is essential. Parents must:

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Use fluoride toothpaste in small amounts (about the size of a grain of rice).
Limit sugary drinks and bottles at bedtime to reduce cavity risk.
Encourage water intake between meals.

Small habits at home reduce stress later and make visits with the best dentist in Washington even more effective.

A Trusted Dental Partner for Families

At Capitol Smiles, we understand that teething is more than parents can handle, who just want the best for their kids. Choosing a pediatric dentist in Washington ensures your child’s smile develops with comfort and care at every step.

If your baby is starting to show signs of teething or if you’re ready to schedule their first visit, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll support your child’s oral health and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.