Understanding the stages of tooth eruption in children is essential for every parent who wants their child to have healthy teeth, proper jaw growth, and a confident smile. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they have a lifelong impact on chewing, speech development, jaw alignment, and space maintenance for permanent teeth.
At Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Dr. Abhishek Soni, an experienced Pediatric Dentist (Kid’s Dental Specialist), guides parents through each stage of dental development with child-friendly care and advanced techniques.
Contact: +917028029383 /+919860633281
Whether you are searching for a Pediatric Dentist in Pune, Pediatric Dentist near me, or the best Dental Clinic in Pune, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about tooth eruption in children.
Why Tooth Eruption Matters in Children
Tooth eruption is not just about new teeth appearing—it is a crucial milestone in your child’s physical and emotional development. Proper eruption ensures:
- Healthy jaw and facial structure
- Clear speech
- Better chewing and digestion
- Prevention of crooked teeth
- Correct spacing for permanent teeth
Knowing when each tooth erupts helps parents detect delays, early exfoliation, cavities, or alignment issues in time. Visiting a Dentist near me regularly ensures healthy dental growth.
Stages of Tooth Eruption in Children
Tooth eruption happens in a predictable sequence, starting around 6 months and continuing until early adulthood. Here’s a detailed stage-wise breakdown:
1. Birth to 6 Months – Pre-Eruption Phase
Although no teeth are visible, the tooth buds are developing inside the gums.
What parents may notice:
- Slight gum firmness
- Occasional gum discomfort
- Increased salivation
This stage lays the foundation for healthy baby teeth. A parent can schedule the first dental visit by age 1 at a trusted Pediatric Dentist in Pune such as Dr. Abhishek Soni.
2. 6 to 12 Months – First Baby Teeth Appear
The lower central incisors usually erupt first.
Commonly erupting teeth:
- Lower central incisors (6–10 months)
- Upper central incisors (8–12 months)
Teething symptoms:
- Irritability
- Gum rubbing
- Mild fever
- Teething rash
Parents often search for a Pediatric Dentist near me during this stage due to teething discomfort.
3. 12 to 18 Months – More Front Teeth & First Molars
At this stage, children start chewing better as more teeth appear.
Teeth erupting:
- Lateral incisors
- First molars
Regular visits to a Dental Clinic in Pune help prevent early childhood cavities.
4. 18 Months to 3 Years – Full Set of Primary Teeth
By age 3, children typically have all 20 primary teeth.
Teeth erupting:
- Canines
- Second molars
Parents must ensure brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled brush.
5. 6 to 8 Years – Mixed Dentition Phase Begins
Permanent teeth start replacing baby teeth.
Erupting teeth:
- First permanent molars (6-year molars)
- Lower and upper incisors
These molars grow behind the baby teeth and can easily go unnoticed, leading to cavities.
Dr. Abhishek Soni recommends dental sealants for protection. Also Dr Abhishek Soni recommends a jaw examination for invisalign First. This is the best time to treat small upper jaws; With palatal expanders we can create space for teeth to comer properly; we can also improve the airway of your child with the same approach. We strongly believe in non extraction of permanent teeth when it comes to alignment, a lot of parents approach when the growth potential of your child is complete and then you end up extracting a few permanent teeth; which is harakiri because you are eventually compromising the tongue space and the rigmarole follows. So expansion will provide adequate space for the tongue; promote nasal breathing in lip seal technique .
6. 8 to 12 Years – Rapid Replacement of Teeth
This period is marked by major dental changes.
Teeth erupting:
- Premolars
- Canines
Orthodontic evaluation is crucial during this phase. If you are looking for a Dentist near me, Vanilla Smiles is well-known for preventive orthodontics and habit correction.
Note on Invisalign for Children
Invisalign is not only for teenagers—it is now widely used for children too through Invisalign First, which:
- Corrects developing jaw issues
- Guides teeth into proper alignment
- Is comfortable and removable
- Offers a metal-free, child-friendly treatment option
It is highly effective during the mixed dentition phase (ages 6–12), when correction is faster and easier.
7. 12 to 14 Years – Second Molars Erupt
Known as “12-year molars,” these teeth complete the permanent dentition (except wisdom teeth).
8. 17 to 21 Years – Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth may erupt or remain impacted.
If they cause pain, swelling, or crowding, a dentist may recommend extraction.
Factors That Affect Tooth Eruption
Tooth eruption timing varies from child to child. The common influencing factors include:
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Birth weight
- Premature birth
- Hormonal imbalances
- Habits like thumb-sucking
- Early childhood decay
- Injury to baby teeth
If you notice delayed or early tooth eruption, visit Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic in Shivaji Nagar, Pune for a thorough evaluation.
How Parents Can Care for Erupting Teeth
Here are expert tips from Dr. Abhishek Soni:
✔ Start oral care early
Wipe gums with a soft cloth even before teeth appear.
✔ Begin brushing once the first tooth erupts
Use a grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
✔ Avoid sugary snacks
Sugar is the biggest cause of cavities in toddlers.
✔ Schedule regular dental checkups
Every 6 months is ideal to track eruption and prevent decay.
✔ Watch for abnormal symptoms
Swelling, pus, or severe pain requires immediate dental attention.
✔ Encourage healthy habits
Avoid thumb-sucking, lip biting, and mouth breathing.
Why Choose Vanilla Smiles Dental Clinic in Pune?
Vanilla Smiles is one of the most trusted pediatric dental clinics in Pune due to:
- Child-friendly environment
- Painless dental treatments
- Advanced technologies like digital X-rays & laser dentistry
- Sedation options for anxious children
- Preventive care, sealants & fluoride treatments
- Tongue-tie & lip-tie laser surgeries
- Expertise of Dr. Abhishek Soni, a leading Pediatric Dentist in Pune
Whether parents search for a Pediatric Dentist near me or a Dental Clinic in Pune, Vanilla Smiles emerges as a top choice due to its specialized care for children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should my child have their first dental visit?
By the age of 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth eruption.
2. Is delayed tooth eruption normal?
Yes, slight delays are common. However, if no tooth erupts by 15 months, visit a Pediatric Dentist in Pune.
3. Why are baby teeth important if they fall out?
They maintain space for permanent teeth, support speech, and help in chewing.
4. My child is teething and cranky. What should I do?
Use a cold teether, massage gums gently, and consult a dentist if symptoms worsen.
5. When do 6-year molars erupt?
Around age 6. They are permanent teeth and must be protected with good oral hygiene.
6. What causes early loss of baby teeth?
Cavities, trauma, or gum infections—regular dental checkups can help prevent this.
7. When should orthodontic evaluation be done?
Around age 7, when mixed dentition begins.
8. Are digital X-rays safe for children?
Yes, especially at Vanilla Smiles, where radiation exposure is extremely low. We use the most sensitive sensor such that your radiation exposure is within safety limits for your child and 100 times lesser than the extra terrestrial radiation that we all are exposed to daily
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Call Now: +917028029383 /+919860633281
Address: Soni Capital, 2nd Floor, Near Shreyas Hotel, 1237, Apte Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004 India
