Children develop 20 primary (baby) teeth, followed by 32 permanent teeth. Understanding the timeline helps parents know what’s normal and when to seek evaluation.
Typical Eruption Timeline
Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)
• 6–10 months: Lower and upper central incisors
• 9–13 months: Lateral incisors
• 13–19 months: First molars
• 16–23 months: Canines
• 23–33 months: Second molars
Most children have a complete primary dentition by age 3.
Permanent Teeth
• 6–7 years: First molars and lower incisors
• 7–8 years: Upper incisors
• 9–11 years: Premolars and canines (varies by child)
• 11–13 years: Second molars
• 17–21 years: Wisdom teeth
Why Some Teeth Erupt Earlier or Later
Variations may occur due to:
• Genetics
• Premature birth
• Nutritional factors
• Trauma to primary teeth
• Space or crowding issues
Consistent delays should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist.
How Baby Teeth Fall Out
The roots of baby teeth dissolve naturally as permanent teeth grow underneath.
A tooth becomes loose when:
• The root has resorbed enough
• Gum tissue loosens
• The permanent tooth pushes through
Loose teeth typically fall out naturally between ages 6–12.
Signs of Eruption Problems
• Pain that lasts more than a few days
• Severe swelling
• No permanent tooth after 6 months of losing a baby tooth
• Adult teeth erupting behind baby teeth (“shark teeth”)
• Baby teeth not loosening on schedule
Managing Eruption Discomfort
• Cool washcloths
• Teething rings
• Gentle brushing
• Avoiding hard foods
Never use teething gels with benzocaine—they are unsafe for children.
Why Eruption Matters
Tooth eruption affects:
• Speech development
• Chewing function
• Jaw growth
• Orthodontic planning
Regular dental checkups ensure teeth erupt on time and in proper alignment.
