An “erupted tooth” refers to a tooth that has moved through the gum line and become visible in the mouth. This natural process marks a significant developmental milestone in both infants and children. While often associated with the appearance of a baby’s first tooth, eruption continues throughout childhood and into early adulthood as primary teeth are replaced by permanent ones.
The Eruption Process
Tooth eruption is a process where a developing tooth moves from its initial position within the jawbone to its functional place in the mouth. Teeth form deep within the jaw, encased in a sac called the dental follicle. As the tooth develops, it gradually moves upwards towards the gum surface.
This upward movement involves coordinated bone remodeling, where bone tissue above the tooth is resorbed, or broken down, while new bone forms beneath it, pushing the tooth along its path. The dental follicle mediates these bone changes, facilitating the tooth’s journey. Root formation begins as eruptive movements start.
Stages of Tooth Emergence
Teeth emerge following a general timeline, though individual variations occur. Primary, or baby, teeth begin to erupt around six to ten months of age, with the lower central incisors appearing first. The upper central incisors follow between eight and twelve months. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three years.
Around six years of age, primary teeth begin to loosen and fall out, making way for permanent teeth. The first permanent molars emerge between six and seven years, behind the existing baby teeth. These are followed by the central incisors, then lateral incisors, canines, and premolars, continuing until around age 12. The final permanent teeth, wisdom teeth or third molars, appear between 17 and 21 years of age.
Navigating Tooth Eruption
Tooth eruption, particularly in infants, has common signs and symptoms, often called “teething.” Increased drooling may lead to a rash around the mouth. Gums around the emerging tooth may appear red, swollen, and tender, causing fussiness and irritability. Babies also chew on objects to relieve gum pressure.
To manage discomfort, parents can offer chilled (not frozen) teething rings or a cool, wet washcloth. Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger also provides relief. For discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over six months) can be used, but numbing gels containing benzocaine should be avoided. Brushing the first tooth as soon as it appears is important.
Common Eruption Challenges
While tooth eruption is a natural process, some individuals experience deviations from the expected timeline. Delayed eruption occurs when teeth appear later than expected, influenced by genetics, premature birth, low birth weight, or nutritional deficiencies. Another challenge is tooth impaction, where a tooth fails to fully emerge and remains trapped within the gum tissue or jawbone. This is common with wisdom teeth due to limited space.
Ectopic eruption is a less common issue where a tooth emerges in an unusual or incorrect position. Such challenges may lead to localized pain, swelling, or affect the alignment of other teeth. If there are concerns about the timing or positioning of erupting teeth, consulting a dentist is recommended for evaluation and guidance.