Every parent wants to know that their child is developing normally, that they’re hitting the markers, that they’re right where they should be. What about when it comes to your little one’s dental health? To know if your child is developing properly in terms of their teeth, you have to know what to expect. Today, we’ll discuss the life cycle of baby teeth: what you should be looking for, when they come in, and when children usually lose them. That way, you can tell if your little one is on the right track.

What Am I Looking For?

            So first things first: what’s all the fuss about (literally)? What is it that’s supposed to be erupting from your baby’s gums?

            The answer: a full set of 20 primary teeth that will help your child chew and speak clearly and will save space for the permanent set soon coming. Your child’s primary teeth are an important part of their health and development, and taking care of those teeth is an important job. The first teeth to emerge are usually the first and second teeth right in the middle of the lower jaw. These are known as the central incisors. This will take place between 6-12 months of age. When it does, the drooling and fussiness will tell you it’s coming! After that, you tend to get the 4 upper incisors. Then, you’ll get the first 4 molars, and 2 teeth beside the central incisors on the lower jaw. Next, the pointed teeth, known as the cuspids, will appear. Finally, the party is rounded out with the second set of 4 molars. The chart below demonstrates what this looks like. (Credit: Dentaly.)

When Should They Come In?

            As indicated by the chart, the first tooth to erupt will be a central incisor, located in the middle of the lower jaw. This happens sometime after a baby is 6 months old and before their first birthday. Its twin tooth on the lower jaw is usually next in line. The process unfolds as discussed above, with teeth usually arriving in pairs on the upper and lower jaw. This process should have about wrapped up by 33 months, or nearly 3 years of age. (Stanford) At that point, you normally aren’t waiting for any more primary teeth to emerge.

When Will They Fall Out?

            Your little one has a mouthful of baby pearly whites, and you think they look perfect just the way they are. Then, one day, it happens: they lose their very first tooth. This fateful moment happens for every child as a part of normal development. Baby teeth go, adult ones grow in their place. This is normal and healthy and must take place.

            The process starts around age 6, and it happens the same as for their arrival: the first teeth to come are the first teeth to go. This means that the central incisors (those middle bottom teeth) tend to fall out first around 6 or 7 years old. The upper central incisors will go next, followed by the upper and lower lateral incisors at 7 or 8 years old. Next up is the first molars, which tend to drop out between the ages of 9 and 11. Then, between the ages of 9 and 12, the canines and second molars go, too. By age 12, the process is complete: your son or daughter should have no more baby teeth left. Eventually, they should have a mouthful of 32 permanent, strong adult teeth.

 Remember, every child is different: things might happen slightly out of sequence, slower, or faster. If your son or daughter isn’t hitting these milestones perfectly on time, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything to get worked up about. These ages are indicators of what we expect, not calls of emergency if your child doesn’t match them exactly. If you are seriously worried that your child’s teeth aren’t coming in or falling out on time or in the right way, reach out to your dentist.

It’s Good to Know That…

• The official name of baby teeth (or primary teeth, or milk teeth, whatever you like to call them) is deciduous teeth.
• There’s a rule of thumb you can apply to estimate the arrival of your child’s deciduous teeth. For every 6 months of their life, around 4 teeth tend to emerge.
• Generally, girls will have their teeth erupt before boys.
• Lower teeth usually erupt first.
• You want your child’s primary teeth to stay in as long as possible. Primary teeth hold the space for adult teeth and are a key part of a child’s proper development. Thus, it’s important to protect your child’s baby teeth from accidents or decay as best you can.

You may still find yourself with questions or concerns about how your child’s teeth are coming in, or why they haven’t fallen out yet. That’s okay. Just remember what we talked about: that teeth erupting slower than normal isn’t usually something to be too worried about—every child is different. If you are seriously concerned, feel free to speak to your dentist about it. You can contact our office today to schedule an appointment! We would be happy to see you.