Tooth eruption is a term used to describe a tooth coming out into the mouth. In infants the term "teething" is used to describe the first time teeth grow in. Generally the age at which an infant begins teething is not really important. It is the time when the adult teeth come in that is important. It can be a somewhat annoying process, especially for parents of infants who are teething but it is important to remember good oral hygiene even with baby teeth.

       Tooth eruption for infants should generally occur between the ages of 6 to 33 months of age. The lower incisors tend to be the first to erupt, with the upper molars at the back of the mouth being the last to erupt. Children generally have 20 teeth. The bicuspids do not come out till adulthood. Many people think that because baby teeth aren't permanent you don't need to take good care of them. This simply isn't true. It is important to take care of the baby teeth because it teaches good oral hygiene and keeps the mouth healthy.

       Tooth eruption of the adult teeth tends to occur between the ages of 6 to 13, with those annoying wisdom teeth coming in later between 17 to 25. There are 32 permanent teeth in the human mouth. Wisdom tooth extraction is more often than not a very good idea. The human mouth has changed a great deal and a wisdom tooth can actually cause a number of problems. Their eruption tends to crowd other teeth together causing orthodontic problems that should have been fixed by that age. A horizontally impacted wisdom tooth can cause even more problems.

       If you would like to learn more about tooth eruption and would like to speak with a dentist, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team have over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule an appointment with our Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, feel free to call us at 404-874-7428.