From first steps to first words, your baby hits many milestones. One that is easy to miss is when baby teeth come in and when they fall out. It starts early. Tiny tooth buds form in your baby’s gums before birth.
Primary, Milk, or Deciduous Teeth: What Are They?
Your child’s first teeth go by many names. Dentists call them primary or deciduous teeth. Many parents call them milk teeth. They do more than make a sweet smile. They help your child eat and speak, and they save space for the permanent set.
This guide shows when each tooth comes in and when it falls out. Use it to see if your child is on schedule, or to get through the teething months.
The Development of Baby Teeth: Timeline and Process
A child’s first set starts to form before birth. By the second trimester of pregnancy, the tooth buds are already growing under the gums.
Most babies show signs of teething at about six months old. One by one, the teeth break through the gums. The first to appear are usually the central incisors, the front teeth in the lower and upper jaws.
The timing differs from child to child. Some get a first tooth earlier or later than average. By age three, most kids have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
At about age six, they start to make way for permanent ones. That change matters just as much as the day they first came in.
When Do Baby Teeth Typically Erupt?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first pediatric dentist visit as soon as the first tooth appears. An early visit sets up healthy habits.
Baby teeth usually begin to erupt at about six months of age. The lower central incisors tend to come first.
More follow as your baby grows. By about 12 months, most children have four front teeth on the top and bottom.
Between ages one and three, two molars come in on each side of the top and bottom jaws. It happens slowly, and the timing differs a lot from child to child.
Some kids are ahead of schedule. Others take their time. By age three, many children have all 20 of their first teeth.
It is a happy milestone. Your little one is growing up fast! Tracking these changes helps you keep your child’s mouth healthy. The team at Pediatric Dental Partners of Shreveport and Bossier City can guide you along the way.
Baby Teeth Chart: What Order Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Here is the usual order of baby teeth coming in, with the age range for each tooth. Think of it as an infant teeth schedule, not a deadline.
| Baby tooth | Usually comes in | Usually falls out |
|---|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) | 6 to 10 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Upper central incisors (top front teeth) | 8 to 12 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9 to 13 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10 to 16 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Upper first molars | 13 to 19 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Lower first molars | 14 to 18 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Upper canines (pointed teeth) | 16 to 22 months | 10 to 12 years |
| Lower canines (pointed teeth) | 17 to 23 months | 9 to 12 years |
| Lower second molars | 23 to 31 months | 10 to 12 years |
| Upper second molars | 25 to 33 months | 10 to 12 years |
What teeth do babies get first? Almost always the two bottom front teeth, followed by the two top front ones. Molars and the pointed canines come later, and the second molars finish the set at about 33 months. You can see the full eruption charts from the American Dental Association for more detail.
What Can Affect When Teeth Come In?
The timing differs widely among children. Genes play a big part. Some families start early, and some start late. If you got your teeth young, your child may too.
Food matters too. A balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals helps teeth grow well. A lack of key nutrients can slow things down.
Health during pregnancy can play a part as well. Some illnesses or exposure to certain toxins may affect how a baby’s teeth grow.
Birth order may matter too. Firstborns often get their teeth later than their younger siblings. Every child’s timeline is unique.
When Do Baby Teeth Start Falling Out?
Children start to lose their first teeth at about age six. The timing differs a little for each child, but the order is easy to predict.
The lower front incisors are usually the first to go. They make way for the larger permanent ones. The upper front ones tend to follow.
Some kids get a loose tooth earlier than others. Some hold on to theirs until closer to age eight.
Keep an eye on this stage. Let your child know that losing a tooth is natural and part of growing up.
Good brushing and flossing matter a lot now, because new adult teeth are on the way.
When Do Molars Fall Out?
Baby molars are some of the last baby teeth to go. The first baby molars usually fall out between ages 9 and 11. The second baby molars follow between ages 10 and 12. Permanent teeth called premolars grow in to take their place.
Don’t mix these up with the 6-year molars. Those are your child’s first permanent molars. They come in behind the baby teeth at about age 6 and do not replace a baby tooth, so they need to last a lifetime.
How Many Teeth Should a Child Have at Each Stage?
Children’s teeth come in stages. Knowing how many to expect helps you track progress.
By age one, most children have about six to eight teeth. These are usually the central incisors, which come in first.
By age two, most toddlers have about 16. The full set of 20, with all the incisors, canines, and molars, is usually in by age three.
From ages three to five, they help your child speak clearly and chew solid foods.
After age six, children lose them one by one, starting with the front incisors. Adult teeth take their place. The timing differs for each child, but most follow this timeline.
Tips for Caring for Your Child’s First Teeth
Start a simple cleaning routine early. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice a day to build the habit.
Help your child brush until they are 7 or 8 years old. Kids often can’t reach every spot well on their own.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause cavities. Offer fruits and veggies instead.
Regular checkups with Pediatric Dental Partners of Shreveport and Bossier City help us catch problems early.
Make dental care fun! Use songs or games at brushing time. Celebrate small wins, like a cavity-free visit, so your child feels good about caring for their smile.
Dealing with Teething Pain and Discomfort
Teething can be hard on babies and parents. As each new tooth breaks through the gums, sore spots are common. Common teething symptoms include drooling, chewing on fingers or toys, red or swollen gums, and extra fussiness. A few simple steps can help your baby through the teething process.
Teething rings are a popular choice. These soft, chewable toys let your baby gnaw on something cool and soothing. Make sure they are safe and easy to clean.
A gentle gum massage helps too. Rub the sore spot with a clean finger or a cool, wet washcloth. This simple step can bring comfort.
Cold foods can help if your child eats solids. Chilled applesauce or yogurt soothes swollen gums and adds nutrition.
If the pain seems severe, call your pediatric dentist in Shreveport and Bossier City for advice that fits your little one.
Why Primary Teeth Matter for Oral Health
Primary teeth, also called milk teeth, play a big part in your child’s oral health. They are more than placeholders. They help shape the mouth and jaw.
They also help your child form sounds and speak clearly. They also make chewing easier, which supports good nutrition.
We protect new primary molars with dental sealants and cleanings. Both are part of our preventive dental treatments, which stop decay before it starts.
And they guide the adult teeth into place. Healthy ones help prevent crowding and crooked teeth later on.
Keeping them cavity-free matters too. Decay in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection. That makes it hard for a child to eat or focus at school.
Regular visits to Pediatric Dental Partners of Shreveport and Bossier City help protect these first steps toward lifelong oral health.
Baby Teeth Timeline: Quick Answers
When do babies start getting teeth?
The usual teething age is around 6 months, but anywhere from 4 to 12 months is normal. A few babies are even born with a tooth.
When do babies get molars?
The first baby molars come in at about 13 to 19 months. The second molars follow at about 23 to 33 months.
When do kids get molars?
Kids get their first permanent molars at about age 6. These come in behind the primary teeth and do not replace a baby tooth. The second permanent molars arrive at about age 11 to 13. Wisdom teeth, the third molars, usually come in between ages 17 and 21.
Are teething gels safe?
The FDA warns against using numbing teething gels with benzocaine in children under 2. A chilled teething ring or a clean finger rubbed on the gums is a safer choice.
When should my baby see a dentist?
By the first birthday, or when the first tooth appears. Read more in when should my baby first see a dentist.
Celebrating Milestones Along the Way
Each milestone is a reason to celebrate. The first tooth and the first lost tooth are big moments. These tiny teeth pave the way for permanent ones and help your child chew and speak.
Tracking these moments can be exciting and reassuring. Each tooth that comes in or falls out is one more step in growing up. It is also a chance to teach your child good dental habits for life.
Enjoy this stage and be patient. Every child grows at their own pace. Some start early, and others take their time. Contact Pediatric Dental Partners of Shreveport and Bossier City if you have any concerns or need guidance along the way.
Families located in Caddo Parish can track and protect their child’s eruption milestones by scheduling an appointment with our pediatric dentist in Shreveport.
If you live across the river in Bossier Parish, our dedicated team provides infant and childhood checkups at our pediatric dentist office in Bossier City.
Good experiences with dental care build healthy habits early. So cherish these moments. Before you know it, those little smiles will be big grins full of adult teeth!
Keep new teeth healthy with preventive treatment for kids. Ready to book? Visit our pediatric dentist office in Shreveport or our pediatric dentist office in Bossier City.
