As parents, watching your child’s various milestones is exciting. One significant event in a child’s life is their dental development, which starts with that first cute, tiny tooth poking through their gums. You may wonder: When can I expect my baby’s first tooth? When do baby teeth fall out? When do kids get their permanent teeth?
This blog post will answer those questions and more!
Eruption of Primary Teeth
According to the American Dental Association, a baby’s first tooth usually erupts between the ages of 6 and 12 months of age. By age three, a child should have a full set of twenty primary teeth. Keep in mind that this will vary from child to child.
| Upper Teeth | When tooth emerges | When tooth falls out |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisor | 8 to 12 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Lateral incisor | 9 to 13 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Canine (cuspid) | 16 to 22 months | 10 to 12 years |
| First molar | 13 to 19 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Second molar | 25 to 33 months | 10 to 12 years |
| Lower Teeth | ||
| Second molar | 23 to 31 months | 10 to 12 years |
| First molar | 14 to 18 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Canine (cuspid) | 17 to 23 months | 9 to 12 years |
| Lateral incisor | 10 to 16 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Central incisor | 6 to 10 months | 6 to 7 years |
Caring for Primary Teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, it’s essential to start taking care of your child’s oral hygiene. Start by gently wiping the tooth with a damp, clean washcloth. As more teeth emerge, introduce an infant toothbrush and a minimal amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste. The CDC recommends a rice grain-sized amount for children under three. Supervise your child’s brushing until they can do it properly themselves, typically around the age of six.
Loss of Primary Teeth
Losing baby teeth marks a new stage of growing up. Generally, children start losing primary teeth around age six, though this can vary. The first to fall out are often the lower central incisors, just like when they first erupted. This process typically continues until they are about 12 years old, making space for the permanent teeth to take their place.
Eruption of Permanent (Adult) Teeth
As your child loses their baby teeth, permanent teeth begin to erupt. This process starts around six years old, and unlike primary teeth eruption, this happens gradually throughout the mouth. By around age 21, all 32 adult teeth, including wisdom teeth, should be in place. Keep in mind, however, that not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and some may need to have theirs removed due to impaction or other issues.
| Upper Teeth | When tooth emerges |
| Central incisor | 7 to 8 years |
| Lateral incisor | 8 to 9 years |
| Canine (cuspid) | 11 to 12 years |
| First premolar (first bicuspid) | 10 to 11 years |
| Second premolar (second bicuspid) | 10 to 12 years |
| First molar | 6 to 7 years |
| Second molar | 12 to 13 years |
| Third molar (wisdom teeth) | 17 to 21 years |
| Lower Teeth | When tooth emerges |
| Third molar (wisdom tooth) | 17 to 21 years |
| Second molar | 11 to 13 years |
| First molar | 6 to 7 years |
| Second premolar (second bicuspid) | 11 to 12 years |
| First premolar (first bicuspid) | 10 to 12 years |
| Canine (cuspid) | 9 to 10 years |
| Lateral incisor | 7 to 8 years |
| Central incisor | 6 to 7 years |
Caring for Permanent Teeth
Caring for your child’s adult teeth is crucial, as these are meant to last a lifetime. Encourage proper brushing techniques and the use of dental floss to maintain good oral hygiene. Regular dental checkups, at least twice a year, are highly recommended. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and limit sugary snacks and drinks to ensure their teeth stay strong and healthy.
Watching your child’s teeth grow from baby to adult is a fascinating journey. By understanding this process you can help set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and a beautiful, permanent grin.
Kids Dentist Denver
Youth Dental and Vision provides pediatric dental care for children of all ages. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality of dental care in a safe and friendly environment. We understand that visiting the dentist can be scary for children, so we strive to make their visit as comfortable as possible.
We provide preventative treatments such as cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. We also offer orthodontic care, including braces and Invisalign®. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden, and we accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Denver Health. If you are searching for a kids dentist near me, contact Youth Dental & Vision at (303) 953-8801 or complete the online booking form.
To schedule an appointment at Aurora Youth Dental, call (303) 343-3133.
To schedule an appointment at Denver Youth Dental, call (303) 825-2295.
To schedule an appointment at Thornton Youth Dentistry, call (303) 280-8878.
To schedule an appointment at Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics, call (720) 826-3694.
We look forward to helping your kids maintain their healthy smile!