From the Guidelines
You should not be worried if your 10-month-old has 8 teeth, as this is within the normal range for tooth development in infants. Babies typically begin teething around 6 months of age, though this can vary widely with some starting as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. By their first birthday, most babies have between 4 and 8 teeth. The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) usually appear first, followed by the upper central incisors (top front teeth), then the lateral incisors (teeth beside the front teeth), and first molars. Teething patterns are highly individual and largely determined by genetics. If your baby seems comfortable, is eating well, and the teeth appear to be coming in properly, there's no cause for concern. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms like severely swollen gums, fever, or extreme discomfort, consult your pediatrician 1.
It's also important to note that the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children should have a Dental Home within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth 1. This suggests that even if your child's teeth are developing normally, it's still a good idea to establish a relationship with a pediatric dentist to ensure their oral health is properly monitored and maintained.
In terms of preventing dental caries, it's recommended to limit the intake frequency of foods and liquids that promote acid production, and to counsel parents and caregivers about proper feeding practices during infancy and the preschool years 1. Additionally, infants acquire mutans streptococci primarily from their mothers, and earlier acquisition of these bacteria has been associated with certain risk factors, including sibling caries, maternal caries, feeding habits, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, and oral hygiene practices 1.
Some key points to consider include:
- The age of tooth eruption can vary widely among infants
- Teething patterns are highly individual and largely determined by genetics
- Establishing a Dental Home within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth is recommended
- Proper feeding practices and limiting the intake frequency of foods and liquids that promote acid production can help prevent dental caries
- Monitoring for unusual symptoms like severely swollen gums, fever, or extreme discomfort is important, and consulting a pediatrician if necessary.
From the Research
Normal Dental Development
- The eruption of teeth in infants typically starts at around 6 months of age and continues until the child is about 3 years old 2.
- By 12 months, most children have 6-8 teeth, so having 8 teeth at 10 months is within the normal range.
Oral Health Risks
- Dental caries is a common and chronic disease process with significant short- and long-term consequences, and its prevalence remains high among children 3, 4.
- The risk of dental caries can be assessed and prevented through early interventions, including oral hygiene, diet, and fluoride recommendations 5, 6.
- Pediatricians play a crucial role in initiating early dental health interventions and providing anticipatory guidance to parents 3, 6.
Preventive Measures
- Positive habits, such as twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste starting at first teeth eruption, can help prevent dental caries and establish a lifelong healthy practice 2.
- Regular dental visits, starting from an early age, can help identify high-risk individuals and prevent dental caries through aggressive strategies, including anticipatory guidance and behavior modifications 5.