Watching your child grow and develop is full of exciting milestones—and one of the first big ones is teething. From that first tiny tooth breaking through the gums to the day the tooth fairy makes her debut, every stage of your child’s dental development plays an important role in their health.
As a parent, it can be hard to know what’s “normal” when it comes to when teeth should come in or fall out. While every child’s timing is slightly different, there’s a general timeline you can use to anticipate what’s ahead.
When Baby Teeth Erupt
Most children start teething around six months of age, but some may begin a few months earlier or later. The process continues until about age three, when all 20 primary teeth—also called baby teeth—have emerged.
Here’s a general eruption timeline:
- 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 (cuspids)
- 23–33 months: Second molars
This schedule may vary, but what matters most is that teeth erupt in the correct order and both sides of the mouth develop evenly. Teething can cause mild irritability, drooling, or sore gums—cool teething rings and gentle gum massages can help soothe discomfort.
When Baby Teeth Fall Out
Just as baby teeth come in gradually, they also fall out gradually. Typically, children begin losing their primary teeth around age six, starting with the same ones that came in first: the lower front teeth. The process usually continues until age 12 or 13, when all baby teeth have been replaced by permanent ones.
Here’s a general order for tooth loss:
- 6–7 years: Lower and upper central incisors
- 7–8 years: Lateral incisors
- 9–11 years: First molars
- 10–12 years: Canines
- 10–12 years: Second molars
Once baby teeth begin to loosen, encourage your child not to wiggle or pull them prematurely, as this can lead to bleeding or gum irritation. If a tooth doesn’t fall out when expected or appears discolored, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatric dentist to ensure everything is developing normally.
What to Expect as Permanent Teeth Come In
When permanent teeth start erupting, your child may experience mild discomfort or spacing between teeth as their jaw grows to accommodate the new set. This is completely normal. Continue brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining regular dental checkups to keep both baby and permanent teeth healthy during this transition.
Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they serve important roles—helping with speech, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into their proper places. Keeping them healthy now helps set your child up for a lifetime of confident smiles.
About the Practice
The community of Cumming will feel right at home from their first dental visit at Village Pediatric Dentistry. Families can count on gentle, expert care designed just for children. Dr. Podray-Donovan and our friendly team provide comprehensive dental care that supports every stage of your child’s growth—from teething and first cleanings to the early stages of orthodontic care.
Call us at (978) 263-2226 or request an appointment online.