One of the many milestones parents look forward to is seeing their child’s first tooth appear. Later, those tiny baby teeth begin to wiggle and make way for permanent ones. While every child develops at their own pace, there are general timelines that can help you know what to expect.
Understanding when baby teeth typically erupt and fall out can help you feel more confident as your child grows and can also help you recognize when it may be time to check in with a pediatric dentist.
When Do Baby Teeth Erupt?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months of age, although it’s perfectly normal for the first tooth to appear a little earlier or later. Some babies are even born with a tooth, while others may not see one until after their first birthday.
Here’s a general timeline for baby tooth eruption:
- 6–10 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
- 8–12 months: Upper central incisors (top front teeth)
- 9–13 months: Upper lateral incisors
- 10–16 months: Lower lateral incisors
- 13–19 months: First molars
- 16–23 months: Canines (pointed teeth)
- 23–33 months: Second molars
By about age 3, most children have all 20 primary, or baby, teeth.
Remember that these ages are averages. A few months earlier or later is usually nothing to worry about.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
The process of losing baby teeth generally begins around age 6 and continues until about age 12. As the permanent teeth develop beneath the gums, they gradually dissolve the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.
Most children lose their teeth in roughly the same order they came in:
- Ages 6–7: Lower and upper central incisors
- Ages 7–8: Lateral incisors
- Ages 9–12: First molars and canines
- Ages 10–12: Second molars
By the early teen years, most children have all of their permanent teeth, except for wisdom teeth, which typically appear much later or may never erupt.
What If My Child Is Early or Late?
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Genetics, overall growth, and individual differences all play a role in tooth development.
You may want to speak with a pediatric dentist if:
- No teeth have erupted by 18 months of age.
- A baby tooth falls out much earlier because of an injury.
- Permanent teeth seem delayed well beyond the typical timeline.
- A permanent tooth begins erupting while the baby tooth remains firmly in place.
In many cases, variations are completely normal, but a dental evaluation can provide reassurance or identify any concerns early.
Caring for Baby Teeth Along the Way
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play an important role in your child’s oral health. They help children chew comfortably, speak clearly, and hold space for the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them.
Good oral hygiene should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. Brushing twice a day with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and scheduling regular dental visits all help keep baby teeth healthy until they’re ready to fall out naturally.
As your child grows, encouraging healthy dental habits now can set the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles.
Every smile grows at its own pace, but knowing what to expect can make each new tooth an exciting milestone rather than a surprise.
About the Practice
At Riverside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Trent Miner and his team are passionate about creating positive dental experiences that help children build healthy smiles for life. As a board-trained pediatric dentist and father of three, Dr. Miner understands the importance of making every visit comfortable, fun, and educational for both children and their parents. The practice provides compassionate preventive, restorative, emergency, and sedation dentistry for infants, children, and teens in a welcoming, river-themed office designed with young patients in mind.
Call us at (321) 378-4344 or schedule your appointment online.