The Timeline of Baby Teeth Eruption: What to Expect and When
Watching your baby grow is an exciting journey filled with many milestones, one of which is the eruption of their first teeth.
Understanding the timeline for baby teeth can help you anticipate changes and ensure your little one’s dental health is on the right track. Here’s a guide to what you can expect and when.
Baby teeth are also known as ‘Primary teeth’ or ‘Deciduous teeth’.
When Do Baby Teeth Start to Erupt?
The process of baby teeth coming in, known as eruption, typically begins around 6 months of age.
However, some babies might start teething as early as 3 months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday.
This variability is entirely normal, and you shouldn’t worry about it if your child is early or late.
Your dentist is less likely to be concerned about the timing of your baby's teeth erupting and more likely to be concerned about the eruption pattern (the order in which the teeth are coming).
Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline
0-6 Months: The Pre-Teething Stage
Babies are usually born without visible teeth, but their teeth are already developing beneath the gums.
4 to 6 Months: Around this time, you might notice increased drooling and the desire to chew on objects, signalling the beginning of the teething process.
6-12 Months: The First Teeth Appear
6 to 10 Months: The lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) are typically the first to emerge. These are usually followed by the upper central incisors (the two top front teeth).
8 to 12 Months: Next, the upper lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth) come in, followed by the lower lateral incisors.
12-18 Months: The Mouth Starts to Fill In
9 to 13 Months: The upper first molars (the wider teeth towards the back of the mouth) begin to appear.
10 to 16 Months: The lower first molars come in.
13 to 19 Months: The upper canines (also known as cuspids) emerge, which are the pointed teeth beside the lateral incisors.
14 to 18 Months: The lower canines follow shortly after.
18-36 Months: Completing the Set
18 to 23 Months: The upper and lower second molars (the farthest back teeth) make their appearance.
20 to 33 Months: Finally, the last of the baby teeth, the upper and lower second molars, come in to complete your child’s primary set of 20 teeth.
Baby teeth eruption pattern
As you can see, there is no set timings for the teeth to come out as each child varies, but in general, the pattern is the same:
Lower incisor teeth
Upper Incisor teeth
Upper and lower first molars
Lower canines
Upper canines
Premolar teeth
Second molars
Caring for Baby Teeth
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial even before the first tooth appears. Here are some tips to ensure your baby's teeth and gums stay healthy:
Gum Care: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth or your finger after feedings.
Brushing: Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth erupts.
Dental Visits: Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging.
Signs of Teething
Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for babies. Common signs include:
Increased drooling
Irritability or fussiness
Chewing on objects
Swollen or tender gums
Slight increase in temperature (not higher than 101°F)
When to Consult a Dentist
If your baby’s teeth haven’t erupted by 18 months, consult a pediatric dentist.
Additionally, seek professional advice if your child experiences severe discomfort, high fever, or other unusual symptoms during teething.
It's unlikely your dentist will actually intervene at this stage, but speaking to a dentist about what could be happening may provide you with some relief. You can also speak to one of our online dentists for free here.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
If kept healthy, your child’s baby teeth should be removed until the age of 6, when they will start to fall out. The pattern of losing baby teeth is as follows:
Age 6 - Incisor teeth fall out
Age 9 - First molar teeth fall out
Age 10 - Canine teeth fall out
Age 12 - Second Molar teeth fall out
Conclusion
The eruption of baby teeth is a significant milestone in your child’s development. Understanding the typical timeline can help you prepare and ensure your baby’s dental health is managed correctly.
Remember, every child is unique, and variations in the timing of tooth eruption are perfectly normal.
For any concerns, consult your pediatric dentist to keep your little one’s smile bright and healthy.