Teething Process
Teething takes place over several months so is what we call a 'durational process'. That sounds a bit technical doesn't it but what it means is that these milk teeth develop within a particular time frame. The first tooth often appears around the age of 6 months although some babies have a tooth at 3 months old. However, there are others who don't sprout their first tooth until the grand old age of 1! Don't worry if your baby is one of these 'late bloomers'. It does not mean there is anything wrong with him/her if they do not have any teeth until their first birthday. It is an individual process which varies over a set period of time so just accept that your baby fits in at the later end of the period.
There is a genetic link to this so if you developed your milk teeth at a particular age then expect your baby to do the same.
Interesting fact about baby milk teeth
Fact for the day: you may be interested to know that your baby develops the foundation for milk teeth (in the form of 'tooth buds') whilst in the womb. This usually happens in the 4th month of pregnancy.
The amount of calcium taken in by the mother during her pregnancy will affect the development of these teeth.
Mums: now you know why your mother always told you to drink your milk.
How many milk teeth does a baby develop?
There are twenty milk teeth in total which appear. These break through the gums in pairs which starts with a pair of incisors in the bottom half of the mouth (and in the middle section). These incisors are then followed by the canines and finally the molars. It takes around two to three years for all 20 of these teeth to appear. Now that may seem like a long period of time but it passes much quicker than you realise. Your baby will be growing up that quickly that you will not notice the length of time it takes for these teeth to appear.
Milk teeth and the sexes
Yes, the battle of the sexes rears its ugly head in regard to teething. If you want to know which sex develops milk teeth first then you will be pleased/disappointed (delete as appropriate) to learn that girls usually cut their teeth before boys. This is something that will please the feminists amongst you. But the age and pattern of these emerging teeth is dictated by family history rather than gender.
