Parents often wonder when their baby’s first teeth will appear, and the truth is that dental development varies widely from child to child. Although uncommon, some babies are born with teeth already visible in the mouth. This occurs in about one in twenty thousand newborns and is usually harmless. For most infants, however, the first baby tooth erupts between 6 and 12 months of age. These early teeth, known as primary teeth, play a key role in your child’s ability to chew, speak, and develop healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime.

At ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, we encourage families to bring their child in for the first dental visit as soon as that initial baby tooth emerges. This recommendation mirrors guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which advises that children should see a dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early dental visits not only help monitor your child’s development but also establish a positive relationship with dental care from the very beginning.

When you visit our Wichita or Derby locations, your child’s first appointment will be gentle, educational, and supportive. One of our pediatric dentists will examine your baby’s mouth, gums, and soft tissues, looking closely at how the teeth and jaws are forming. This developmental assessment helps us identify any early concerns, such as tongue ties, eruption delays, or unusual tissue growth. We take time to answer parents’ questions about teething discomfort, pacifier use, bottle feeding habits, and how to properly clean your baby’s mouth. Our goal is to make your child’s first visit simple and stress free. We provide clear guidance on what to expect as new teeth appear, how to encourage healthy habits, and when to schedule the next checkup.

A Lifetime Smile

While it may seem like baby teeth are temporary, they serve an essential purpose in your child’s overall health. Beneath the gums, permanent teeth are forming long before they erupt. These developing adult teeth depend on healthy primary teeth for proper spacing, alignment, and guidance. Each baby tooth acts as a placeholder. If one is lost too soon due to decay or injury, the surrounding teeth may shift into the open space, potentially causing crowding or bite issues later in childhood.

By the time children reach two or three years of age, they typically have a complete set of twenty baby teeth. These teeth remain in place for several years, allowing your child to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain balanced facial development. Routine exams help us monitor how the teeth meet, how the jaws grow, and how the smile evolves over time. We may recommend preventive treatments such as fluoride or sealants to protect the teeth from decay and strengthen enamel during key stages of growth.

Early childhood is also the perfect time to build strong oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day with the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste and maintaining regular dental visits can dramatically reduce the risk of cavities. At ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in partnering with parents to create a foundation that supports long term oral health. Our team works to make each visit fun and educational, helping children feel confident and comfortable at every stage of development.

Monitor Your Child’s Growth

Consistent dental visits are one of the most effective ways to ensure your child’s oral development stays on track. At ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry and Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry, we proudly serve families throughout Wichita and Derby with compassionate, specialized pediatric dental care. Our team focuses on prevention, early detection, and education, helping children build healthy smiles from infancy through adolescence.

Whether your child is teething, preparing for the eruption of permanent molars, or transitioning into the teenage years, our pediatric dentists are here to guide you every step of the way. Early monitoring helps identify growth concerns, cavity risks, and bite issues while there is still plenty of time for simple, effective treatment.

We invite you to schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations. Our friendly team looks forward to supporting your child’s growth, comfort, and confidence as they develop a strong and healthy smile for life.