Baby’s Teeth Growing In Wrong Order: A Parent’s Ultimate Guide!

Worried about the baby’s teeth growing in wrong order? Don’t panic; I’ve got your back. The concern can be all-consuming, and you may feel lost for what to do next. But I’m here to offer you the guidance and support you need during this crucial stage of your baby’s development.

I’ll explain why this happens, what causes the wrong order, and what you can do about it.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Why Baby’s Teeth May grow in wrong order？

Babies develop teeth at different rates and in different orders. Some babies may start teething early, while others may not have teeth until closer to their first birthday. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common factors.

1. Genetics – This is the primary reason baby teeth may become crooked or misaligned. If one parent has a small mouth and the other has large teeth, the child may have crowded teeth, leading to misaligned baby teeth.
2. Tongue Thrusting – Improper swallowing, known as tongue thrusting, can impact your child’s bite and push their baby teeth forward, causing them to become misaligned. This can lead to an “open bite,” where the front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is fully closed.
3. Extra Teeth – In rare cases, an extra tooth (called a “mesiodens” tooth) can appear, usually between the two top front teeth. This can cause developmental issues with other teeth and may require extraction.

What is a Typical Order of Baby’s Teeth Appearance?

Although every baby’s tooth development is unique, there is a common order in which teeth usually come in. It’s important to know this order so that you can monitor your baby’s dental health and identify any potential problems.

The First Teeth

The lower central incisors, or two bottom front teeth, are typically the first to appear, usually between six and ten months of age. This is often followed by the upper central incisors or the top two teeth, which come in around eight to twelve months of age.

The First Molars

The first molars, which are large teeth located in the back of the mouth, usually appear after all incisors have erupted. They typically come in around twelve to sixteen months of age.

The Canines and Second Molars

After the molars, the canines, or pointy teeth beside the lateral incisors, are the second to last set of teeth to come in. They usually appear around sixteen to twenty months of age. Finally, the second molars complete the two-year teething period and typically appear around twenty-four to thirty months of age.

The following chart provides a guide to the typical age range for each type of baby tooth to appear:

What To Do if Your Baby’s Teeth Don’t Erupt in Order?

Not Harmful in Most Cases

If your baby’s teeth don’t come out in the usual order, don’t worry too much. This is usually not harmful. It may happen that the top teeth show up before the bottom ones or that there’s a delay in their appearance. As long as the teeth come out eventually, the order shouldn’t affect your baby’s dental health.

Impact on Tooth Alignment

However, in rare cases, when teeth emerge in the wrong sequence, it can affect their alignment. This can lead to crooked or crowded teeth, which can cause problems with chewing and speaking. If you notice that your baby’s teeth are coming out of order, you may want to speak to a pediatric dentist.

Practical Solutions

• Monitor your baby’s tooth development regularly. Keep an eye on their teeth and check if they are coming in at the right time and in the right sequence.
• If you notice any problems with your baby’s teeth, such as gaps, overcrowding, or crooked teeth, consult a pediatric dentist.
• Be proactive about your baby’s dental health. Schedule regular checkups with a pediatric dentist to ensure that their teeth are developing properly.
• Encourage good dental hygiene practices from an early age. 
• Offer your baby healthy foods and drinks that promote good dental health. Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks that can damage their teeth.

How to Support Your Baby’s Dental Health and Proper Tooth Eruption?

It’s not possible to control the order in which your baby’s teeth come in. As stated earlier, genetics plays a big role in this.

However, sometimes a lack of proper nutrition can cause a delay in tooth eruption. To avoid this, make sure your baby gets enough of the right nutrients. 

Healthy Food & Healthy Habits

Foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as protein, can help build strong teeth. Eating fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, D, and C is also important for good oral health. Try to limit sugary foods and instead offer whole grains, protein, and produce.

Furthermore, to support healthy teeth, follow these tips:

• Give your baby a fluoride supplement as soon as their first tooth appears.
• Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride, starting from their first tooth.
• Take your baby to the dentist for checkups and cleanings starting at one year old.

What Are Some Dental Concerns that Require a Visit to a Pediatric Dentist?

There are some situations during your child’s teeth development that may require attention from a pediatric dentist. These include:

• Baby teeth fall out too early without a new one growing in. 
• Baby teeth turning black or dark may indicate tooth decay.
• Baby teeth not appearing at the expected time.
• Baby teeth growing in crookedly. 
• Baby teeth falling out, but no permanent teeth appearing. 
• Baby teeth do not appear by the age of one. 

FAQ

Is It Normal For Babies To Get Lateral Incisors Before Central Incisors?

Babies usually get their central incisors first, but sometimes their lateral incisors may arrive before the central incisors due to some overlap in the teething schedule.

How Many Teeth Should a 7-Month-Old Have?

It’s common for the bottom central incisors to come in first, but some babies may even be born with teeth. So, the number of teeth a 7-month-old has can vary.

Can a Baby Get Its Four Bottom Teeth First?

It’s unlikely that all four bottom teeth will come in first unless they are the central incisors. Other bottom teeth, like canines and lateral incisors, usually come in later.

Do Baby Teeth Always Come in Pairs?

Baby teeth usually start erupting in pairs, but they may come out of order and take different amounts of time to arrive.

Final Thoughts

Finally, don’t be worried if you notice the baby’s teeth growing in wrong order. But, on the other hand, don’t just ignore it either.

Remember, taking your little one for a dental checkup before their teeth even start to come in is a great way to prioritize their dental health. After all, healthy gums play a big role in overall oral health for both kids and adults!