Most babies get their first tooth around 6 to 10 months of age, usually a lower front tooth, and have all 20 baby teeth by about age 3. The order in which they arrive is fairly predictable, though the timing varies a lot from child to child. If your baby is a little early or late, that is usually normal. This chart shows the typical order and ages so you know roughly what to expect.
Key takeaways
- The lower front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first, around 6 to 10 months.
- All 20 baby teeth are typically through by about age 3.
- Timing varies widely; early or late teething is usually normal.
- Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first one appears.
- The first dental visit is recommended by around the first birthday.
The typical order of eruption
Baby teeth, also called deciduous or primary teeth, tend to come through in a set sequence. The lower teeth of each type usually appear a little before the matching upper teeth. Here is the general pattern, with typical age ranges.
| Tooth | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (front) | 6 to 10 months |
| Upper central incisors | 8 to 12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9 to 13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10 to 16 months |
| First molars | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines | 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars | 23 to 33 months |
By the end, your child should have 20 baby teeth: eight incisors, four canines and eight molars, ten on the top and ten on the bottom. Remember these ages are a guide, not a deadline.
What to do as teeth come in
As soon as the first tooth appears, begin cleaning it twice a day with a soft brush. Under 18 months, brush without toothpaste. From 18 months, a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride children's toothpaste is generally recommended, as we explain in our guide to how much toothpaste children should use. Teething can make babies uncomfortable, and our article on teething symptoms and relief covers what helps and what to avoid.
When to see a dentist
A first dental visit is generally recommended by around your child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are gentle, help spot any concerns, and get children comfortable with the dentist. Our guide to a child's first dental visit explains what happens. As the back teeth come through, protective dental sealants may be discussed later on.
Frequently asked questions
What if my baby has no teeth by 12 months?
This is usually still within the normal range. Teething timing varies widely. If you are concerned, mention it at a dental or health check for reassurance.
Which teeth come in first?
Almost always the two lower front teeth, the central incisors, usually between 6 and 10 months.
Do baby teeth matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth help with eating, speech and guiding adult teeth into place. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and affect the teeth beneath, so they are worth caring for.
When do baby teeth start falling out?
Usually from around age 6, roughly in the order they came in, as adult teeth begin to replace them.
What to do next
If you have questions about your child's teeth or want to book a gentle first visit, the team at Lumi Dental is happy to help. You can view current family options on our offers page.
