Teeth Development in Children in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Understanding how your child’s teeth develop can help you support their health from infancy through the teen years. Families in Grand Rapids, MI have access to excellent pediatric dental and medical care through local providers like Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health – all of which can help if you have concerns about your child’s teeth.

Cold West Michigan winters, indoor heating, and dietary changes (more hot drinks, comfort foods, and sometimes more sugary snacks) can all affect oral health. Knowing what’s normal – and what’s not – is especially important for Grand Rapids parents.

How Baby Teeth (Deciduous Teeth) Develop

Baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth, primary teeth, milk teeth, or first teeth, begin forming before your baby is born.

  • Around 5 weeks of pregnancy, the first tooth buds start to form in your baby’s jaws.
  • By birth, your baby already has:
    • 20 fully formed baby teeth (10 in the upper jaw, 10 in the lower jaw) hidden under the gums
    • Some developing permanent teeth already forming in the jaws

These primary teeth are essential for your child’s ability to eat, speak, and for guiding adult teeth into the correct position later.

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

Your child will have different types of teeth, each with a specific job:

  • Incisors

    • Front teeth in the upper and lower jaws
    • Have a thin, sharp cutting edge
    • Work like scissors to cut food

  • Canines (cuspids)

    • Pointed teeth next to the incisors in both jaws
    • Used to tear food

  • Premolars (only in permanent teeth)

    • Appear later when adult teeth come in
    • Have flat surfaces to crush food

  • Molars

    • Larger teeth at the back of the mouth
    • Broad, flat surfaces that grind food

Teething and Tooth Eruption in Babies

Eruption is the process of a tooth breaking through the gum line. In babies, this is called teething.

Normal Teething Timeline

Every child is different. In Grand Rapids pediatric practices, it’s common to see a wide range of normal:

  • Some babies get their first tooth at 3–4 months
  • Others may not get a tooth until 12 months or later

While the exact timing varies, the order is usually similar:

  1. Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) – typically first
  2. Upper central incisors
  3. Other incisors
  4. First molars
  5. Canines
  6. Second molars

Most children in West Michigan have all 20 baby teeth by about age 3.

Typical Teething Symptoms

Around 6 months, babies’ immune systems change, and they also start putting more objects in their mouths. This is also when teething often begins, which can overlap with common childhood illnesses.

Teething can cause:

  • Fussiness or irritability
  • Drooling
  • Mild gum swelling or tenderness
  • Increased chewing or biting
  • Slight changes in sleep or eating patterns

Important:
Symptoms like high fever, persistent diarrhea, significant rash, or ongoing runny nose are more likely due to viral, bacterial, or ear infections, not teething alone. In Grand Rapids, these infections are especially common during cold and flu season in fall and winter.

If symptoms last longer than 48 hours or your child seems very unwell, contact:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor
  • A 24/7 nurse line (many Spectrum Health/Corewell Health and Trinity Health practices offer this)
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance on local clinics

Eruption Cysts (Blue-Grey Bumps on the Gums)

Sometimes you may notice a blue-grey bubble or bump on your child’s gum where a tooth is about to come through. This is called an eruption cyst.

  • Usually painless or mildly tender
  • Typically goes away on its own when the tooth erupts
  • No treatment is usually needed

If the area looks very swollen, your child is in a lot of pain, or you’re unsure, schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist in Grand Rapids.

Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

During teething, your goal is to keep your child comfortable with safe, evidence-based methods.

Comfort Measures

  • Gum massage

    • Gently rub the gums with a clean finger or a soft, wet cloth
    • The pressure can relieve discomfort

  • Chilled (not frozen) teething rings

    • Cool in the refrigerator, not the freezer
    • Cold helps reduce gum inflammation
    • Follow manufacturer instructions – some plastic rings should not be boiled or put in the dishwasher

  • Unsweetened teething rusks or sugar-free teething biscuits

    • For infants over 6 months who have started solids
    • Avoid anything with added sugar to reduce the risk of tooth decay

  • Dry the drool

    • In Grand Rapids’ dry, heated indoor air during winter, drool can irritate the skin
    • Gently wipe drool from the chin and around the mouth with a soft cloth throughout the day
    • You can apply a thin layer of a gentle barrier cream if the skin is getting red

Pain-Relieving Medications

Always talk with your pediatrician, dentist, or pharmacist before giving any medication.

  • Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

    • Often works well for infants and children
    • Use the correct dose based on your child’s weight
    • Follow package directions or your doctor’s advice

  • Ibuprofen

    • May help with pain and inflammation in some children
    • Not as well tolerated in younger infants and should not be used under 6 months
    • Check with your child’s doctor before using

If you need help after hours, many Grand Rapids health systems (Spectrum/Corewell, Trinity Health, Metro Health) offer nurse advice lines. You can also ask your local pharmacist for guidance on over-the-counter options.

Teething Treatments to Avoid

Some popular teething products are not recommended because they can be dangerous or not effective.

Amber Teething Necklaces and Bracelets

Amber jewelry is sometimes marketed as a natural teething remedy, based on the belief that:

  • Amber releases “healing oils” when in contact with warm skin
  • These oils supposedly reduce pain or inflammation

However:

  • There is no good scientific evidence that amber helps with teething pain
  • Necklaces and bracelets pose a choking and strangulation risk
  • They can break, and beads can be swallowed or inhaled

Most pediatricians and pediatric dentists in Grand Rapids strongly advise against using amber teething necklaces or bracelets. Safer options, like gum massage or chilled teething rings, are preferred.

Teething Gels

Common over-the-counter teething gels may contain:

  • Choline salicylate (a salicylate related to aspirin)
  • Numbing agents such as lignocaine (lidocaine) or benzocaine

Concerns include:

  • Aspirin-related products are not recommended for children under 16 because they can, in rare cases, cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can damage the liver and brain.
  • Numbing agents can be swallowed, and the dose is hard to control in babies.
  • In rare cases, excessive numbing medication can be toxic or even fatal.
  • Research suggests that massaging the gums, not the gel itself, is what provides relief.

Because of these risks, most experts – including pediatric dentists in West Michigan – recommend avoiding teething gels when there are safer options.

Caring for Baby Teeth in Grand Rapids

Caring for deciduous teeth is just as important as caring for adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth:

  • Help your child chew comfortably
  • Support clear speech
  • Hold space in the jaw for future permanent teeth
  • Support proper jaw and facial development

Oral Care Timeline

From birth

  • Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth once or twice a day

When the first tooth appears

  • Use a soft, small-headed baby toothbrush
  • Brush twice a day with plain water (no toothpaste yet for very young infants unless advised by your dentist or pediatrician)

Around 12 months

  • Schedule your child’s first dental visit
    • Many Grand Rapids families use pediatric dentists affiliated with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Spectrum Health/Corewell, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or private pediatric dental practices.
    • The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can help connect eligible families to low-cost or public dental services.

Around 18 months – 2½ years

  • Begin flossing between any teeth that touch each other

Around 2–3 years

  • Use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride or children’s toothpaste
  • Help your child:
    • Brush twice a day
    • Spit out toothpaste (don’t swallow)
    • Do not rinse with water afterward (this keeps a small amount of fluoride on the teeth)

Store toothpaste out of reach of young children to prevent swallowing large amounts.

Around 4–5 years

  • Start teaching your child to brush their own teeth
  • Continue to supervise brushing and flossing

Around 6–8 years

  • Begin transitioning to regular adult fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized amount)
  • Encourage your child to:
    • Brush twice a day
    • Spit out, not swallow
    • Not rinse with water afterward
  • Continue regular dental check-ups every 6–12 months

Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth

Tooth decay (dental caries) in baby teeth is common but preventable – even in areas with access to excellent care like Grand Rapids.

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Frequent sugary drinks (juice, soda, sweetened milk, sports drinks)
  • Constant sipping from bottles or sippy cups, especially at night
  • Sticky, sugary snacks
  • Poor brushing and flossing habits
  • Limited access to fluoride or dental care

Why Treating Baby Tooth Decay Matters

Decayed baby teeth must be treated by a dentist. If decay is neglected, it can lead to:

  • Mouth pain
  • Dental abscesses (swollen, infected areas that can be serious)
  • Infection spreading to nearby teeth or tissues
  • Problems with eating and sleeping, which can affect growth
  • Early loss of baby molars, which can cause spacing problems for adult teeth

In some cases, especially with very young children or extensive decay, treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital may be needed. In Grand Rapids, this is often done through hospital-based dental services, such as those associated with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or other local health systems.

Losing Baby Teeth and Getting Permanent Teeth

From around age 6, baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out to make room for permanent (adult) teeth.

  • It is normal for children to lose their first tooth anywhere from about 4 to 8 years old
  • Girls often lose teeth slightly earlier than boys
  • The first tooth to fall out is usually a lower front (central incisor)

Helping Your Child Cope

Losing teeth can be unsettling for some children:

  • Reassure your child that losing baby teeth is natural
  • Explain that new adult teeth will grow in their place
  • Some gum tenderness and mild bleeding are normal
  • You can use:
    • Cold packs on the outside of the cheek
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if needed – check with your dentist, doctor, or pharmacist for age-appropriate dosing

Many Grand Rapids families use the Tooth Fairy tradition to make tooth loss fun and less scary. A small reward can help your child feel more positive about the change.

Development of Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth are also called adult teeth or secondary teeth. They begin forming in the jaws around birth and continue developing through childhood and adolescence.

By about 21 years of age, most people will have up to 32 permanent teeth:

  • 16 in the upper jaw
  • 16 in the lower jaw

However, the third molars (wisdom teeth) often:

  • Do not fully develop, or
  • Do not erupt into the mouth

So many adults only have 28 permanent teeth.

Typical Eruption Timeline for Permanent Teeth

While each child is unique, the usual order and approximate ages are:

  • First molars – 6 to 7 years
  • Central incisors – 6 to 8 years
  • Lateral incisors – 7 to 8 years
  • Canines (cuspids) – 9 to 13 years
  • Premolars – 9 to 13 years
  • Second molars – 11 to 13 years
  • Third molars (wisdom teeth) – 17 to 21 years (if they erupt at all)

The first permanent molars (often called the “6-year molars”) erupt behind the last baby molars – they do not replace a baby tooth. Other permanent teeth (incisors, canines, premolars) come in where baby teeth have fallen out.

If you notice teeth coming in very crooked, crowded, or far earlier or later than expected, a pediatric dentist or orthodontist in Grand Rapids can evaluate your child.

Mouthguards and Protecting Teeth in Sports

In West Michigan, children are active in hockey, football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and other contact sports. These activities increase the risk of dental injuries.

Why Mouthguards Matter

Mouthguards help:

  • Protect teeth from being chipped, broken, or knocked out
  • Reduce the risk of lip, cheek, and tongue injuries
  • Offer some protection for the jaw

All children playing contact or collision sports should wear a custom-fitted mouthguard, including primary school–age children.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards

  • Custom-fitted mouthguards

    • Made by your dentist to fit your child’s teeth
    • More comfortable
    • Less likely to fall out
    • Allow normal breathing and speaking
    • Offer better protection

  • Boil-and-bite or stock mouthguards

    • Available in sporting goods stores
    • Less precise fit and often less comfortable
    • Better than no protection, but not as effective as custom-fitted ones

Most Grand Rapids dental offices, including pediatric and family dentists, can make custom mouthguards. This is especially valuable for kids in high-impact sports like hockey and football, which are popular in Michigan.

Local Dental and Health Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re looking for help with your child’s teeth in Grand Rapids, consider:

  • Pediatric dentists affiliated with:

    • Spectrum Health/Corewell Health
    • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health and Mercy Health systems

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health

    • Information on community dental clinics and low-cost services for eligible families
    • Guidance on fluoride, dental sealants, and children’s oral health programs

  • American Dental Association “Find a Dentist” tool

    • Helps you locate a pediatric dentist or family dentist near your Grand Rapids neighborhood

  • Nurse advice lines and pediatric practices

    • For questions about teething, pain relief, or when to see a dentist

Key Points for Grand Rapids Parents

  • Deciduous teeth (baby teeth) begin forming in the womb and are crucial for chewing, speech, and guiding adult teeth.
  • Teething symptoms (fussiness, drooling, mild gum discomfort) usually last about 48 hours per tooth; ongoing fever, diarrhea, or rash may indicate illness, not teething.
  • Safe teething relief includes gum massage, chilled teething rings, unsweetened teething rusks, and appropriate pain medication as advised by your child’s doctor or dentist.
  • Avoid amber teething necklaces and most teething gels due to safety concerns and limited benefit.
  • Start oral care early: wipe gums from birth, brush with water when the first tooth appears, introduce children’s fluoride toothpaste around 2–3 years (pea-sized amount), and schedule the first dental visit by age 1.
  • Tooth decay in baby teeth is preventable with good brushing, flossing, fluoride, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups.
  • Baby teeth usually start to loosen around age 6; losing them is a normal process, and new permanent teeth will replace them.
  • Permanent teeth continue to erupt through the teen years; wisdom teeth may or may not come in.
  • For active Grand Rapids kids, custom-fitted mouthguards are recommended for all contact sports to protect their teeth.

If you have concerns about your child’s tooth development, teething, or dental pain, contact a pediatric dentist or your child’s doctor in Grand Rapids. Early care and prevention go a long way toward a healthy smile that lasts into adulthood.