Teething can feel like an emotional roller coaster for parents. Most parents are thrilled to see their infant’s first tooth appear, but when the molars start coming in the teething pain can make the child and parents lose sleep. In this chart, you will see when to expect each tooth to erupt. Though each child’s timeline may be different, it gives us a clue of which teeth to expect and when. Knowing when to expect each tooth can help parents stay prepared—and a little more patient—during teething pains. Remember, this stage can be stressful, but it won’t last forever!

Did you know that even before the first tooth erupts you should already be teaching healthy dental habits? Gently wiping a baby’s gums and tongue after bottle feeding and going to the dentist once the first tooth erupts are great first steps in oral hygiene. In other words, toothbrushing should begin with the very first tooth. 
At the Simon Center, we support healthy development in physical and dental health. We drink water and eat fresh fruit throughout the day; exercise our bodies in the gym or on the playground; learn mindfulness and breathing techniques during yoga class; learn what foods are good for our teeth to help make them strong; identify foods high in sugar that often lead to cavities; and introduce tooth brushing after the lunch meal. Just like children at home will brush their teeth before getting into bed at night, the children in our SR program brush their teeth before the transition onto their cots for the midday rest time. Additionally, one of our major focuses is on self-help skills for preschoolers.

For National Dental Health month in February, we ask a local pediatric dentist to visit several of our older classes. Dr. Aljohani comes to discuss important dental practices for the preschoolers to be doing at home and at school. Also known as the “Ballon Doc”, he uses his skills as a balloon artist to make a balloon toothbrush to make learning about dental health fun. Also, during this designated Dental Health month, teachers cover the theme “Dental Health”. We have a supersized toothbrush   and a set of big “chompers”, too. The children can practice brushing the supersized teeth during circle time and then do fun activities to reinforce this healthy, self-help habit.

With the introduction to healthy dental habits early, teething pain may not be fun, but this stage will lead to beautiful toothy smiles in the future.