Tooth Eruption

Here they come and there they go!

Baby teeth, or “Primary teeth” may be small, but they’re extremely important for your child’s oral health and development. This first set of teeth begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy, and teeth begin to emerge above the gums approximately four to six months after birth. 

Typically, preschool aged children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth, including four molars on each arch. While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13. 

Baby teeth play a very important role in a child’s development which is why it is crucial to maintain healthy primary teeth. Proper speech development, nurturing a healthy diet, instilling self-confidence, holding space for permanent teeth to erupt to create a straighter smile, and maintaining excellent oral health are 5 of the main benefits of maintaining healthy primary teeth.

Eruption of Baby (Primary or Deciduous) Teeth

 

Upper

Lower

Central incisors

Lateral incisors

Cuspids (canines)

First molars

Second molars

6-8 months

8-11 months

16-20 months

10-16 months

20-30 months

5-7 months

7-10 months

16-20 months

10-16 months

20-30 months

 

Shedding of Baby (Primary or Deciduous) Teeth

 

Upper

Lower

Central incisors

Lateral incisors

Cuspids (canines)

First molars

Second molars

7-8 years

8-9 years

11-12 years

10-11 years

10-12 years

6-7 years

7-8 years

9-11 years

10-12 years

11-13 years

 

Eruption of Adult (Permanent) Teeth

 

Upper

Lower

Central incisors

Lateral incisors

Cuspids (canines)

First Premolars (bicuspids)

Second Premolars (bicuspids)

First Molars

Second Molars

Third Molars (wisdom teeth)

7-8 years

8-9 years

11-12 years

10-11 years

10-12 years

6-7 years

12-13 years

17-22 years

6-7 years

7-8 years

9-11 years

10-12 years

11-13 years

6-7 years

12-13 years

17-22 years

**Adapted from chart prepared by PK Losch, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, from Nelson’s Textbook of Pediatrics.**