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Baby Teeth Timeline

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Although they aren’t visible, babies are born with 20 almost fully formed teeth. Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are hidden under the gums at birth. Primary teeth typically begin to “erupt” from the gums around six months old.

Teething lasts from the eruption of the first tooth until your toddler is about 2.5 years old and has all of the primary teeth.

Teething is frequently uncomfortable and can cause fussiness and feeding issues as the teeth work through the sensitive skin of the gums. If your baby has problems with teething, you can take steps to minimize the pain and discomfort associated with teething.

What are Primary Teeth?

Primary teeth are different from your baby’s permanent adult teeth. Primary teeth are gradually shed over the course of childhood and are replaced with permanent teeth, which begin to break through the gums gradually as the baby’s teeth are lost.

Although they are temporary, primary teeth are important. They help your child chew and learn to speak. It’s a good idea to instill good dental habits in your child from the very beginning of teething.

Baby Teeth Timeline

According to the American Dental Association, the two upper and lower front teeth are typically the first to show.

Baby teeth typically erupt in the following order:

  • The central incisors, or the two bottom front teeth (erupt at 6-10 months)
  • The central and lateral incisors, or the four upper front teeth (erupt at 8-13 months)
  • The two lower lateral incisors (erupt at 10-16 months)
  • The first molars (top molars erupt at 13-19 months, and the bottom molars erupt at 14-18 months)
  • The four canines, which are located next to the top and bottom lateral incisors (top canines erupt at 16-22 months, and the bottom canines erupt at 17-23 months)
  • The second molars (top second molars erupt at 25-33 months and the bottom second molars erupt at 23-31 months)

You should be aware, however, that not all children follow this schedule exactly, and there’s nothing wrong if teeth erupt in a different order. Visit a pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday. In addition to discussing oral health, the pediatric dentist will watch teething order.