Baby teeth begin forming under the gums around the fourth month of pregnancy, which is why a nourishing prenatal diet matters. The first tooth usually appears between six months and one year, and most children have all 20 baby teeth by age three. The ADA recommends a “well-baby” dental visit about six months after the first tooth comes in.
Baby teeth help with speech, jaw development, chewing and spacing for adult teeth. Caring for them protects against painful decay, early tooth loss, poor nutrition and childhood gum disease. Wipe new teeth gently with a soft, clean cloth.
Baby teeth timeline
| Teeth | Come in | Fall out |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors (very front) | 6–12 months | 6–7 years |
| Lateral incisors | 9–16 months | 7–8 years |
| First molars | 13–19 months | 9–11 years |
| Canines (cuspids) | 16–23 months | 10–12 years |
| Second molars | 23–33 months | 10–12 years |
Molars can be sore coming in. Clean fingers, cool gauze and teething rings help soothe the gums.
Fun facts
- Baby girls usually get teeth a little earlier than boys.
- Lower teeth usually come in before the matching upper teeth.
- Teeth often arrive in pairs, so there may be quiet months followed by several new teeth at once.
- Baby teeth are smaller and look whiter than adult teeth.
- A mix of baby and adult teeth is normal for school-age children.