Teething

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The first teeth (also known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth) have usually developed before your child is born.

They normally start to break through the gum from at around six to nine months old. Usually the bottom front teeth come through first, followed by the top front teeth (central incisors) and then the top and bottom incisors either side (lateral incisors). Most children will have around eight teeth by their first birthday, although this is just an average.

The first molars (back teeth) start to come through at about 12 to 14 months, followed by the canines (next to the lateral incisors) at 16-18 months and finally the second molars at 18-30 months. The full set of first teeth is usually through by the age of two and a half years.

Teething can start as early a 3 months and continue to 3 years old.

Rarely, your child may be born with one or two teeth or will have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. This does not give cause for concern unless the teeth interfere with feeding.