Few parenting moments match the excitement of spotting that first tiny tooth poking through your baby’s gums. Then come the loose tooth wiggles, the tooth fairy visits, and eventually those big permanent teeth that suddenly make your child look so grown up. Your child’s teeth follow a surprisingly predictable journey from infancy through the teenage years, with baby teeth typically arriving around six months and the full set of primary teeth completing by age three. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you feel prepared rather than caught off guard when changes happen.
Cleanings and prevention matter at every point along this timeline. At ABC Children’s Dentistry, we walk alongside families through each milestone, celebrating the wins and handling the bumps with care. Whether you’re soothing a teething baby or helping your teen navigate those final molars, we’re here to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.
The First Teeth Arrive
Most babies get their first tooth between four and seven months old, though this varies widely among children. The bottom front teeth usually appear first, followed by the top front teeth. Some babies show clear signs of teething, like drooling, fussiness, and wanting to chew on everything, while others seem unfazed by the process.
Your baby was born with all their primary teeth already formed in their jaw, just waiting beneath the gums. These teeth push through over time in a fairly consistent pattern. By your child’s first birthday, they typically have six to eight teeth. The teething process continues over the next two years as the remaining primary teeth emerge.
Completing the Primary Teeth Set
Between 12 and 36 months, your toddler gains the rest of their baby teeth. The first molars usually come in around 13 to 19 months, followed by the canines at 16 to 23 months. Finally, the second molars appear between 25 and 33 months, completing the full set of 20 primary teeth.
Each child follows their own schedule, so these ages serve as general guidelines rather than strict rules. Some children complete their primary teeth set earlier, while others take longer. For example, one child might have all 20 teeth by age two, while another perfectly healthy child might not finish until closer to age three. Baby teeth typically erupt starting at six months, with all primary teeth emerging by age three, though this natural variation rarely indicates any problem.
Primary teeth serve important functions beyond chewing. They hold space for permanent teeth developing underneath, guide jaw growth, and help with speech development. Taking care of these baby teeth protects your child’s oral health and sets the stage for their permanent teeth.
When Permanent Teeth Begin
Around age six, your child enters a new dental phase. The first permanent teeth usually emerge behind the existing baby teeth as the six-year molars. These large teeth come in at the back of the mouth without replacing any primary teeth, expanding your child’s dental arch.
Shortly after these molars appear, the lower front baby teeth typically become loose. This marks the beginning of the mixed dentition stage, where your child has both baby and permanent teeth. The permanent front teeth push up from below, causing the roots of baby teeth to dissolve gradually until they fall out naturally.
The sequence of tooth loss generally follows the order they originally erupted. Bottom front teeth usually go first around age six or seven, followed by the top front teeth. Your child loses teeth and gains permanent replacements over the next several years. Schedule regular dental visits during this transition to monitor proper development.
The Mixed Dentition Years
Between the ages of six and 12, your child experiences significant changes in their mouth. Primary teeth continue falling out while permanent teeth take their place. The lateral incisors come in around age seven to eight, followed by the first premolars at nine to 11 years, the canines at 10 to 12 years, and the second premolars at 10 to 12 years.
This period requires extra attention to oral hygiene. New permanent teeth have softer enamel at first, making them more vulnerable to cavities. Different-sized teeth create more places for food to stick, and loose teeth can make brushing uncomfortable. Help your child maintain thorough brushing and flossing habits during these years, even when their mouth feels crowded or awkward.
Watch for these situations:
- Baby teeth that remain long after the permanent tooth has erupted
- Permanent teeth coming in crooked or crowded
- Teeth erupting in the wrong position
- Significant delays in tooth loss or eruption compared to peers
These issues may need professional evaluation to ensure proper tooth development and alignment.
Completing the Permanent Set
The 12-year molars typically emerge around age 11 to 13, bringing your child’s permanent tooth count to 28. These second molars appear behind the six-year molars, further expanding the dental arch. By the early teenage years, most children have their full complement of permanent teeth except for wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually begin developing in the early teenage years but may not emerge until late teens or early twenties, if at all. Many people never develop wisdom teeth, while others have all four. These teeth often cause problems due to limited space in the jaw, and many require eventual removal.
Your teenager’s teeth continue maturing even after eruption. The enamel hardens fully over several years, and roots complete their formation. During this time, consistent dental care protects these permanent teeth that need to last a lifetime. Common dental issues can arise at any stage, making regular checkups essential.
Partner with ABC Children’s Dentistry for Every Milestone
Understanding your child’s tooth development timeline helps you support their oral health through every stage. At ABC Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Singer has been guiding families through these dental milestones since 2004. His expertise in pediatric dentistry, combined with a magical Disney-themed environment, makes each visit an adventure that children look forward to rather than fear.
Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your child’s tooth development, catch potential problems early, and provide preventive care at each stage. If you have questions about your child’s tooth development or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today. We’re here to support your family’s dental health journey from that first tooth through the teenage years.
