Do You Know When Your Child’s Teeth Erupt?

Primary tooth development is a process which begins before birth. There are rare cases where babies are even born with teeth. Many of us have questions as to when the teeth are developing and when they should be expected to appear in the mouth. Below, you will find a schedule approximating when your child’s teeth should erupt into the mouth. The schedule is based upon averages, so  every child will be different.  It is important for your child to receive regular dental exams and xrays to ensure that the proper number of teeth are developing.

Tooth Eruption Schedule

It is important to note that every child will develop at their own pace. It is not unusual to have certain teeth erupt earlier or later than the charts below say. As long as the child is under a dentist’s care, you will be able to know any issues that might be arising based on dental examinations and dental radiographs.

Upper Primary Teeth Development

Lower Primary Teeth Development

The complete set of primary teeth is in the mouth from the age of 2 ½ to 3 years of age to 6 to 7 years of age. Dental issues which occur in development of primary teeth directly affect the development of the permanent teeth. If you do not develop a baby tooth, you consequently will not develop the replacement permanent tooth.

There may also be extra teeth which may need to be removed so as not to impede eruption of the permanent counterpart. Overly small or large teeth can also cause issue. Genetics play a large role, so if you know that there are tooth issues running in your family such as missing teeth or extra teeth, have them checked out early.

Primary Teeth Eruption Facts

-A general guide is that for every 6 months of life, about 4 teeth will erupt into the mouth.

-Girls usually get their teeth before boys. -Usually teeth in both jaws erupt in pairs, one on the right and one on the left.

-Lower teeth usually erupt before upper teeth

-Primary teeth are smaller in size and whiter in color than the permanent teeth that will follow them. Around the age of 4 years old, the jaw and the bones of the face begin to grow. This will create space between the primary teeth. This added space is needed for the much larger permanent teeth to erupt into the mouth.

From 6 years old  to about 12 years old, children will have a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth, referred to as the mixed dentition.

Purpose Of Primary Teeth

Primary teeth are a necessary part of a child’s development. While only in the mouth for a short period they are vital for the following reasons:

• -They hold space for the permanent teeth.
• -They give the face its normal appearance.
• -Aid in speech development.
• -Aid in obtaining good nutrition for growth and development.
• -Teach Good Oral Hygiene. They help give a healthy start to the permanent teeth.

Upper Permanent Teeth Development

Lower Permanent Teeth Development

The first permanent molars  begin to erupt into the mouth at around the age of 6, they do not replace any baby teeth, they come in behind the last primary molars. By age 13 most of the 28 permanent teeth will be in their respective places in the mouth.

The wisdom teeth will erupt (or not if they are impacted or missing) between the ages of 17 and 22. If we count the wisdom teeth we all should have 32 permanent teeth erupting into the mouth when the process is complete.

Tooth Eruption Conclusion

Tooth eruption schedules can be confusing due to the broad age ranges. Understanding the role of primary teeth in growth and development is what is most important. Irregular timing of tooth development, missing teeth, crowded teeth, extra teeth, misshapen teeth should always be assessed by your dentist.

A full examination with xrays should help fully assess your child’s dental development. The earlier issues are found, they can be addressed and treated, allowing for the best future outcomes. If you have any questions regarding the timing, amount of teeth, etc. have your dentist do a full assessment so that all of your questions can be answered.