A child’s smile constantly evolves, and each new tooth marks an exciting milestone in their development. From the first baby tooth to the day the tooth fairy makes her final visit, understanding your child’s dental growth can help you stay on top of their oral health. Here’s a helpful guide to track these tiny teeth as they grow!
Baby’s First Tooth (4-7 Months)
Most babies get their first tooth around six months, but it can appear as early as four months or as late as one year. The lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) are usually the first to arrive. Parents may notice increased drooling, irritability, and a strong urge to chew on everything!
Tip: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth and introduce a baby toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears.
The Full Set of Baby Teeth (By Age 3)
By the time your child is three, they should have a full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth. The order typically follows this pattern:
• 6-12 months – First central incisors (bottom and top front teeth)
• 9-16 months – Lateral incisors (teeth next to the central ones)
• 13-19 months – First molars (back teeth used for grinding food)
• 16-23 months – Canines (pointed teeth for tearing food)
• 23-33 months – Second molars (the final baby teeth to arrive)
Tip: Start brushing with fluoride toothpaste (a rice grain-sized amount) and schedule your child’s first dental visit by age one.
Losing Baby Teeth (Ages 6-12)
Just as baby teeth came in, they will start falling out—usually around age six. The first to go are typically the same ones that arrived first: the lower central incisors. Over the next few years, your child will lose teeth in this order:
• 6-7 years – Central incisors
• 7-8 years – Lateral incisors
• 9-11 years – First molars and canines
• 10-12 years – Second molars
Tip: Encourage gentle wiggling of loose teeth, but avoid forcefully pulling them out.
The Arrival of Permanent Teeth (Ages 6-13)
As baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth take their place. By age 13, most kids have their full set of 28 permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth).
Tip: This is the perfect time to reinforce good oral hygiene habits and consider orthodontic evaluations if needed.
Wisdom Teeth (Ages 17-25)
The final set of molars, or wisdom teeth, may appear in late teens or early adulthood. Many people need them removed due to lack of space or misalignment.
Tip: Regular dental checkups can help determine if wisdom teeth need to be extracted.
Final Thoughts
Every child’s dental journey is unique, but staying informed about these milestones can help ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and a little tooth fairy magic will keep your child’s teeth in shape!
