Children get 20 primary (baby) teeth, which usually begin erupting around 6 months and are all in by about age 3. They start to fall out around age 6 as the 32 permanent teeth come in, a process that runs into the late teens with the wisdom teeth. The order of eruption is fairly predictable; the exact timing varies widely, so being a few months early or late is completely normal. This baby teeth chart and tooth eruption chart show what to expect. At Innova Smiles in Marlborough, MA, Dr. Fatima tracks each child's eruption at routine pediatric dental visits and flags anything unusual early.
Primary teeth typically erupt in this order and timeframe (based on ADA eruption charts). Ranges are normal, not deadlines.
| Baby Tooth | Erupts (Upper) | Erupts (Lower) |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisor | 8–12 months | 6–10 months |
| Lateral incisor | 9–13 months | 10–16 months |
| First molar | 13–19 months | 14–18 months |
| Canine (cuspid) | 16–22 months | 17–23 months |
| Second molar | 25–33 months | 23–31 months |
Most babies follow the same general sequence, working front to back:
- Lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) — usually first, around 6 to 10 months
- Upper central incisors (the two top front teeth)
- Lateral incisors (next to the front teeth, top then bottom)
- First molars (the broader back chewing teeth)
- Canines (the pointed teeth, filling the space between lateral incisors and first molars)
- Second molars (the very back baby teeth) — usually last, by about age 2 to 3
By age 3, almost all children have their full set of 20 baby teeth.
Baby teeth start to loosen and fall out around age 6, generally in the same order they erupted, starting with the lower central incisors. A baby tooth becomes loose because the permanent tooth beneath it is pushing upward and dissolving the baby tooth's root. The process continues until about age 12, when most permanent teeth (other than wisdom teeth) are in place. Losing baby teeth much earlier than age 5, often due to decay or injury, is worth a dental visit, because early loss can let neighboring teeth drift and crowd the incoming permanent tooth.
Permanent teeth erupt over several years. The "6-year molars" are often the first permanent teeth to appear, coming in behind the baby teeth rather than replacing one.
| Permanent Tooth | Typical Eruption Age |
|---|---|
| First molars ("6-year molars") | 6–7 years |
| Central incisors | 6–8 years |
| Lateral incisors | 7–9 years |
| Canines (cuspids) | 9–13 years |
| Premolars (bicuspids) | 9–13 years |
| Second molars ("12-year molars") | 11–13 years |
| Third molars (wisdom teeth) | 17–21 years |
Teething usually begins around 6 months. Common signs include drooling, gum tenderness, fussiness, and a strong urge to chew. To soothe sore gums:
- Offer a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean cool washcloth
- Gently rub the gums with a clean finger
- Wipe drool to prevent skin irritation
A high fever, diarrhea, or rash is not caused by teething and should be evaluated by your pediatrician. Once that first tooth appears, start brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste and schedule a first dental exam, the ADA recommends a child's first visit by their first birthday.
Eruption timing is flexible, but check in with us if:
- No teeth have erupted by about 18 months
- Teeth erupt far out of the usual order, or permanent teeth come in behind baby teeth that have not fallen out ("shark teeth")
- A baby tooth is lost very early (before age 5) to decay or injury
- You notice crowding, large gaps, or an uneven bite as permanent teeth come in, an early sign that orthodontic evaluation may help
Regular pediatric dentistry visits let Dr. Fatima follow each child's chart, catch decay early, and confirm with an X-ray that the permanent teeth are developing on schedule.
In what order do baby teeth come in?
Baby teeth usually erupt front to back. The two lower central incisors come in first (around 6 to 10 months), followed by the upper central incisors, then the lateral incisors, the first molars, the canines, and finally the second molars by about age 2 to 3. All 20 primary teeth are typically in place by age 3. The order is more consistent than the exact timing, which varies from child to child.
When do babies start teething?
Most babies begin teething around 6 months, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is within the normal range. Signs include drooling, gum tenderness, irritability, and a strong urge to chew. A clean chilled (not frozen) teething ring and gentle gum massage help. A high fever or diarrhea is not caused by teething and should be checked by a pediatrician.
When do children start losing baby teeth?
Children usually start losing baby teeth around age 6, beginning with the lower front teeth, in roughly the same order they came in. The process continues until about age 12, as the 28 permanent teeth (plus later wisdom teeth) replace them. A baby tooth typically loosens because the permanent tooth beneath it is pushing up and dissolving its root.
Is it normal for baby teeth to come in late or out of order?
Usually, yes. Eruption timing varies a lot, and being a few months ahead or behind is normal. Order matters more than exact dates. It is worth a dental visit, though, if no teeth have appeared by about 18 months, if teeth erupt very out of sequence, or if you notice crowding, gaps, or teeth coming in behind the baby teeth. Dr. Fatima can take an X-ray to confirm the permanent teeth are developing normally.
Do baby teeth matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth, guide them into position, and are essential for chewing and speech. A baby tooth lost too early to decay can let other teeth drift into the gap and crowd the permanent tooth out of alignment. That is why cavities in baby teeth are treated, and why regular pediatric checkups matter.
Questions about your child's teeth or ready for their first visit? Call (508) 481-0110 or request an appointment. Dr. Fatima makes early dental visits easy and reassuring for kids and parents alike.
Related Articles
- Your Child's First Dental Visit
- Hyperdontia (Extra Teeth): Causes, Types & Treatment
- Dental Sealants for Children
Related Services
Sources & Further Reading
- Eruption Charts (baby and permanent teeth) — American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Children's Oral Health — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH)
