Your child’s first teeth

Your child will acquire 20 milk teeth between the ages of 5 months and 3 years. The first teeth usually appear at the age of 6 months. This is an important milestone for the whole family, but also a painful period for your child. Your child is likely to be very irritable when teething. Your child will dribble a great deal, bite his fists and his gums will swell up. Often, tears, lack of appetite and a red bum will signal the arrival of first teeth. For fortunate parents, teething can be a discreet event and not cause the child any pain. But whatever happens, seeing your child with his first tooth will be an emotional moment for Mum and Dad!

Teething step by step

Between 6 and 8 months 2 lower central incisors
Around 8 months 2 upper central incisors
Between 8 and 12 months 2 upper lateral incisors
Between 10 and 12 months 2 lower lateral incisors
Between 14 and 20 months 4 first premolars
Between 18 and 24 months 4 canines
Between 2 and 3 years 4 second premolars

There are children who conform – and then there are the rest.

So don’t panic – the ages shown below vary from one child to another.

Soothing your child

The arrival of a child’s first teeth is often a real challenge for parents. Watching their child suffer, Mum and Dad are bound to panic and even cradling their child will not seem to ease the discomfort. In fact, there is no real solution to make teething less painful. But the following tips will help calm your child and give you the feeling you are doing something to see your child through this difficult stage.

A special rattle and refrigerated teething ring are essential for your child to chew on and soothe the pain without harming his gums. As sucking can produce a calming effect, his thumb can also bring comfort.