The question “when will my child’s teeth come in?” is very commonly asked by parents of babies and toddlers. Concern arises when a child’s teeth haven’t appeared yet, while other children of the same age already have teeth.
In reality, every child’s tooth growth is different. This is influenced by factors such as the mother’s calcium intake during pregnancy, the child’s diet, and genetics. Parents should be alert if no teeth have appeared after 14 months of age, as there may be a genetic disorder or other issue that needs to be examined by a doctor.
Baby Teeth Eruption Schedule
Here is the general schedule for baby tooth eruption. Keep in mind that eruption timing can vary for each child.
Upper Jaw Teeth
| Tooth | Eruption (Growth) | Shedding (Loss) |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | 8-12 months | 6-7 years |
| Lateral incisors | 9-13 months | 7-8 years |
| Canines | 16-22 months | 10-12 years |
| First molars | 13-19 months | 9-11 years |
| Second molars | 25-33 months | 10-12 years |
Lower Jaw Teeth
| Tooth | Eruption (Growth) | Shedding (Loss) |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | 6-10 months | 6-7 years |
| Lateral incisors | 10-16 months | 7-8 years |
| Canines | 17-23 months | 9-12 years |
| First molars | 14-18 months | 9-11 years |
| Second molars | 23-31 months | 10-12 years |
Tooth Growth Order
- 6 months — Two lower front incisors appear first
- 8-12 months — Four upper incisors follow
- Continuing — Other teeth grow gradually, usually in pairs (left and right)
- 2.5-3 years — All 20 baby teeth are complete (10 upper, 10 lower)
Important Facts About Baby Teeth
- Girls’ teeth generally come in earlier than boys'
- Lower jaw teeth usually come in before upper jaw teeth
- Teeth grow in pairs — one on the right and one on the left
- Baby teeth are smaller and whiter than permanent teeth
- After age 4, the jaw and facial bones begin to grow, creating gaps between baby teeth — this is a natural process to make room for permanent teeth
Mixed Dentition Period
The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is called the mixed dentition period, occurring between ages 6-12. During this time, baby teeth gradually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.
Why Baby Teeth Must Be Cared For
Many parents assume baby teeth don’t need care because they’ll be replaced by permanent teeth. However, baby teeth have very important roles:
- Providing space for permanent teeth that will grow
- Helping children learn to speak clearly
- Helping with chewing food — damaged teeth make children reluctant to eat, disrupting nutrition intake
- Giving normal facial shape
- Protecting permanent teeth — cavities and infections in baby teeth can cause dark spots or damage to the permanent teeth beneath them
When to Visit the Dentist
- First visit: When the first tooth appears or by age 1 at the latest
- See a dentist immediately if your child’s teeth are already damaged — the sooner it’s treated, the better the outcome
- Routine check-ups every 6 months for examination and prevention
Introducing your child to the dentist early will reduce fear and make future treatments easier.
Conclusion
Children’s tooth growth begins around 6 months of age and is complete by age 2.5-3 years. Although eruption timing can vary, parents should be alert if no teeth have appeared after 14 months.
Most importantly, care for your child’s baby teeth from early on. Healthy baby teeth are the foundation for healthy permanent teeth in the future.