The Complete Guide to Baby Teeth: What Parents Need to Know

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published July 30, 2026

Somewhere between the first tooth breaking through and the last baby tooth wiggling loose, most parents end up with a running list of questions that don't always get a straight answer at a quick pediatrician visit. Here's a practical guide to what's actually normal, what to watch for, and when to bring your child in.

When Should Your Child's First Dental Visit Happen?

The American Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit happen by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. That's earlier than most parents expect, and earlier than a first visit used to be recommended. The goal at this stage isn't a full cleaning; it's establishing a dental home, catching any early issues, and giving parents guidance on caring for those first teeth before problems have a chance to develop.

Teething: What's Normal

Teething typically begins around 6 months and continues in waves until all 20 baby teeth have come in, usually by around age 3. Common signs include drooling, gum swelling and irritation, fussiness, a mild temperature increase, and a tendency to chew on everything in reach. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth can help with discomfort. A true fever, persistent crying that doesn't respond to comfort, or a rash should be checked by a pediatrician — teething itself doesn't typically cause high fever, and it's worth ruling out something else going on.

Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use

Sucking is a natural reflex, and thumb-sucking or pacifier use in infancy and early toddlerhood is completely normal and not something to worry about. It becomes more of a concern if it continues past age 3–4, particularly once permanent teeth are on the way, since prolonged, intense sucking habits can affect how the teeth and jaw develop. If the habit is still going strong around that age, it's worth mentioning at a checkup so it can be monitored rather than addressed reactively later.

Cavity Prevention for Young Children

Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as adult teeth, and cavities in baby teeth matter more than many parents realize — beyond causing pain and infection, they can affect the development and positioning of the permanent teeth waiting underneath. A few habits make an outsized difference: start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (a grain-of-rice amount under age 3, a pea-sized amount from 3–6), avoid putting a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice (a major cause of early childhood cavities, since sugars pool against the teeth overnight), limit sugary snacks and juice generally, and start flossing once any two teeth touch each other.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out, and Permanent Teeth Come In?

Baby teeth typically start loosening and falling out around age 6, generally in the same order they came in — lower front teeth first, working outward and backward. This process continues gradually until around age 12–13, when the last baby molars are usually replaced. First permanent molars, often called "6-year molars," typically come in behind the baby teeth without replacing anything — a detail that surprises a lot of parents, since these are the first permanent teeth and need just as much cavity protection as any other.

How Often Should Kids See the Dentist?

Once a child's first visit has happened, the standard recommendation is the same six-month interval as adults — though some children benefit from more frequent visits if they're at higher risk for cavities or need ongoing monitoring of how their bite and permanent teeth are developing. Regular visits from an early age also help build comfort with the dentist's office, which pays off well beyond childhood.

If you're due to bring your child in for their first visit or a routine checkup, we're happy to see the whole family — call us to schedule.