Is it normal for my one-year-old to still have no teeth? Should my six-year-old’s wobbly tooth have come out by now?
If you’ve found yourself Googling questions like these, a proper baby teeth chart can be a genuinely useful thing to have on hand. This guide lays out when baby teeth typically arrive, when they fall out, and what’s worth keeping an eye on along the way.
The Baby Teeth Eruption Chart: What to Expect and When
According to the Australian Dental Association, most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth by around age 3, and it’s recommended that children see a dentist by their first birthday, regardless of how many teeth have come through by then.
Here’s a general baby teeth eruption chart, based on ADA guidance, showing typical age ranges for when each tooth appears and later falls out:
Lower teeth
- Central incisor: erupts 6–10 months, sheds 6–7 years
- Lateral incisor: erupts 10–16 months, sheds 7–8 years
- Canine: erupts 17–23 months, sheds 9–12 years
- First molar: erupts 14–18 months, sheds 9–11 years
- Second molar: erupts 23–31 months, sheds 10–12 years
Upper teeth
- Central incisor: erupts 8–12 months, sheds 6–7 years
- Lateral incisor: erupts 9–13 months, sheds 7–8 years
- Canine: erupts 16–22 months, sheds 10–12 years
- First molar: erupts 13–19 months, sheds 9–11 years
- Second molar: erupts 25–33 months, sheds 10–12 years
Remember that every child’s baby teeth timeline will differ slightly, so treat these as a general guide rather than a strict schedule.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Most babies get their first tooth somewhere between 6 and 12 months of age, though it’s not unusual for a first tooth to arrive earlier or a little later.
The baby teeth order tends to follow a fairly consistent pattern: the lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) usually appear first, followed by the upper central incisors, then the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally the second molars.
This sequence is sometimes called the primary dentition eruption sequence, and dentists also refer to baby teeth more formally as deciduous teeth, meaning teeth that are designed to fall out and be replaced.
Teething Symptoms in Infants
Teething symptoms in infants typically appear in the days leading up to a new tooth breaking through. Common signs include:
- Increased drooling
- Mild gum swelling or redness
- A tendency to chew on objects
- Some fussiness or disrupted sleep
How long teething lasts for a given tooth actually varies, but discomfort around a single tooth usually settles within a few days. A high fever, persistent crying, or symptoms that seem to last far longer than usual are not typically explained by teething alone, and are worth mentioning to your GP or dentist.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Most children start to lose their first baby tooth around age 6, generally beginning with the lower central incisors, which are also the same teeth that usually erupted first.
This process of exfoliation of primary teeth (the clinical term for teeth naturally loosening and falling out) continues gradually, with the last baby teeth, typically the second molars, falling out around age 12.
So when do kids lose their baby teeth entirely?
For most children, the full transition from baby teeth to a permanent set takes place over roughly six years, from around age 6 to age 12. If you’re keeping a tooth fairy age range in mind for family traditions, this six-to-twelve window is generally when you’ll need it.
What About Adult Teeth and Molars?
Interestingly, the first permanent molars usually arrive around age 6, and they don’t replace any baby teeth at all. They simply push through the gums and behind the baby teeth.
This can sometimes catch parents off guard, since it happens alongside the loss of baby front teeth. From there, the remaining permanent teeth generally come through in the same order the baby teeth did, continuing through the early teenage years.
When to Check In With a Dentist
Most variation in timing is completely normal, but a few things are worth a dentist’s opinion:
- Teeth that haven’t appeared well outside the typical range
- A tooth appearing in an unusual position
- Natal teeth, a rare newborn dental anomaly where a tooth is already present at birth
None of these is cause for panic, but a check-up can offer reassurance either way. We’ve covered first dental visits and early oral care in more detail in our guide to children’s dental care for Sunbury families.
Keeping Track of Children’s Teeth
A baby teeth timeline is a helpful reference to track your child’s growing teeth, but it’s not a strict rulebook. There are still plenty of healthy variations between children. What matters most is regular care along the way: gentle brushing as teeth appear, and check-ups to catch anything worth addressing early.
If you have questions about your child’s teeth, or you’re looking for a children’s dentist in or around Sunbury, VIC, our team at Vineyard Dental Clinic is happy to help.
Contact us today to book a visit for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does a baby usually get their first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months of age, though some come in earlier or later. If your baby has no teeth by their first birthday, it’s still worth mentioning at their first dental visit rather than assuming something is wrong.
What order do baby teeth come in?
Generally, the lower central incisors appear first, followed by the upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally the second molars. Every child varies slightly from this pattern.
Is it normal for baby teeth to come in late?
Some variation is normal. If a first tooth hasn’t appeared by around 12 to 18 months, it’s worth having your dentist take a look, simply for reassurance.
What age do baby teeth start falling out?
Most children begin losing baby teeth around age 6, usually starting with the lower front teeth. This continues gradually until around age 12.
Do all baby teeth fall out by a certain age?
Most children have lost all their baby teeth by around age 12 to 13, with permanent teeth continuing to come through into the early teenage years.
What should I do if my baby is born with a tooth already?
This is uncommon but not necessarily a concern on its own. It’s worth having it checked by a dentist, as in some cases these teeth need monitoring or, occasionally, removal if they’re loose or affecting feeding.
