Tooth Eruption Timeline
When Do Baby Teeth and Permanent Teeth Usually Erupt?
Why Is Tooth Eruption Important?
A child's teeth develop over many years. Understanding when baby teeth and permanent teeth usually appear can help parents monitor normal development and recognize when a dental evaluation may be needed.
Every child develops at their own pace, so eruption times may vary by several months and still be considered normal.
What Is Tooth Eruption?
Tooth eruption is the process by which a tooth moves through the gums and becomes visible in the mouth.
Most children develop:
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20 primary (baby) teeth
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32 permanent (adult) teeth, including wisdom teeth
Teeth usually erupt in a predictable sequence.
Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline
Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, although some start earlier or later.
ToothAverage Age of EruptionLower central incisors6–10 monthsUpper central incisors8–12 monthsUpper lateral incisors9–13 monthsLower lateral incisors10–16 monthsFirst molars13–19 monthsCanines (cuspids)16–23 monthsSecond molars23–33 months
By approximately 3 years of age, most children have all 20 primary teeth.
Permanent Teeth Eruption Timeline
Permanent teeth usually begin replacing baby teeth around 6 years of age.
ToothAverage Age of EruptionFirst molars6–7 yearsCentral incisors6–8 yearsLateral incisors7–9 yearsFirst premolars10–11 yearsSecond premolars10–12 yearsCanines9–12 yearsSecond molars11–13 yearsThird molars (wisdom teeth)17–21 years (if they develop)
Some people never develop one or more wisdom teeth, and this is considered normal.
Which Teeth Appear First?
The lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) are usually the first baby teeth to erupt.
For permanent teeth, the first molars and lower central incisors are often the first to appear around age 6.
Signs of Teething
Many babies experience mild symptoms as teeth erupt.
Common signs include:
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Increased drooling
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Swollen or tender gums
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Chewing on objects
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Mild irritability
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Changes in sleeping patterns
Some babies experience few or no symptoms.
Current evidence does not support teething as a cause of high fever or severe illness. If your child develops a high fever, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or appears seriously ill, contact a healthcare provider.
Caring for New Teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears:
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Brush twice daily with a soft, child-sized toothbrush.
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Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than 3 years.
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Use a pea-sized amount for children 3 years and older who can spit it out.
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Schedule the first dental visit by the child's first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts.
Early care helps establish healthy habits and prevent cavities.
What If Teeth Erupt Earlier or Later?
There is a wide range of normal development.
Some children:
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Get their first tooth before 6 months.
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Do not develop their first tooth until after 12 months.
This is often normal.
However, if no teeth have erupted by about 18 months, or if you have concerns about your child's dental development, schedule an evaluation with a dentist or pediatrician.
What Happens When Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Baby teeth naturally loosen as the permanent teeth develop underneath.
Most children begin losing baby teeth around 6 years of age.
The process usually continues until about 12 to 13 years of age, when most permanent teeth have erupted.
Parents should avoid pulling baby teeth before they are ready unless instructed by a dental professional.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop.
They typically erupt between 17 and 21 years of age, although:
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Some erupt normally.
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Some remain impacted beneath the gums.
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Some never develop.
Your dentist can monitor wisdom teeth with clinical examinations and dental X-rays.
When Should Parents See a Dentist?
Schedule a dental evaluation if:
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No teeth have erupted by approximately 18 months.
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Teeth appear significantly delayed or out of sequence.
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Baby teeth are lost very early because of injury or decay.
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Permanent teeth do not appear after a baby tooth has been lost.
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You notice swelling, pain, or unusual changes during tooth eruption.
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor normal growth and development.
Common Myths
"Every child gets teeth at exactly the same age."
False.
Tooth eruption varies from child to child, and differences of several months are usually normal.
"Teething causes high fever."
False.
Teething may cause mild discomfort, irritability, or drooling, but it is not considered a cause of high fever or serious illness.
"Baby teeth are not important because they will fall out."
False.
Baby teeth are essential for chewing, speech development, jaw growth, and guiding permanent teeth into their proper positions.
Key Takeaways
✔ Most babies develop their first tooth around 6 months of age.
✔ Children usually have all 20 baby teeth by about age 3.
✔ Permanent teeth generally begin erupting around 6 years of age.
✔ Tooth eruption timing varies, and small differences are usually normal.
✔ Begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
✔ Regular dental visits help ensure healthy tooth development and early detection of potential problems.
References
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American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on Management of the Developing Dentition. https://www.aapd.org
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American Dental Association. Teething and Tooth Development. https://www.ada.org
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children's Oral Health. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth
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National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Healthy Smiles for Children. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov
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American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.org: Teething and Tooth Development. https://www.healthychildren.org