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Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth

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The eruption of primary teeth—also called deciduous or baby teeth—follows a fairly predictable timeline for most children. A full set of primary teeth begins to form beneath the gums as early as the fourth month of pregnancy. For this reason, a nutritious prenatal diet is critical for the proper development of the infant’s teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Typically, a child’s first primary tooth emerges between six months and one year of age. By around three years old, most children have a complete set of twenty primary teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that parents schedule a “well-baby” dental visit approximately six months after the first tooth erupts. During these visits, pediatric dentists educate parents and children on prevention strategies, ensuring a gentle, no-tears home care routine is established from the start.

Although primary teeth are temporary, they play critical roles in:

  • Speech development
  • Proper jaw growth
  • Healthy chewing habits
  • Maintaining space for permanent teeth

Caring for primary teeth helps prevent tooth decay, premature tooth loss, malnutrition, and early-onset gum disease.

Order of Primary Tooth Eruption

While every child develops at their own pace, the general order of eruption is as follows:

  1. Central Incisors (front teeth)
    1. Lower and upper central incisors appear between 6–12 months.
    2. These teeth are the first to be lost, usually between 6–7 years.
    3. Cleaning can be done gently with a soft cloth or a baby toothbrush.
  2. Lateral Incisors (next to central incisors)
    1. Upper and lower lateral incisors emerge between 9–16 months.
    2. These are lost between 7–8 years.
  3. First Molars
    1. Large, flat teeth toward the back of the mouth erupt between 13–19 months.
    2. Teething can cause discomfort, which can be relieved with cool gauze, clean fingers, or teething rings.
    3. First molars are usually lost between 9–11 years.
  4. Canine (Cuspid) Teeth
    1. Upper and lower canines appear between 16–23 months.
    2. These teeth are next to the lateral incisors and are lost between 10–12 years.
  5. Second Molars
    1. These complete the primary dentition, appearing between 23–33 months.
    2. Second molars are located at the back of the mouth and are lost between 10–12 years.

Additional Notes on Primary Teeth

  • Girls often experience tooth eruption slightly earlier than boys.
  • Lower teeth usually erupt before the corresponding upper teeth.
  • Teeth often emerge in pairs, so there may be periods with no visible activity followed by several teeth appearing at once.
  • Primary teeth are smaller and whiter than permanent teeth, reflecting the smaller jaw size.
  • It is normal for school-age children to have a mix of primary and permanent teeth as they transition to their adult dentition.

Ensuring Healthy Primary Teeth

Establishing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits from an early age sets the foundation for lifelong dental health. Pediatric dentists at Northwest Dentistry can provide guidance on:

  • Brushing and flossing techniques for young children
  • Preventing decay and cavities
  • Teething discomfort relief
  • Maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s primary teeth or eruption timeline, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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