When Should I Expect to See Baby Teeth Coming Through, and When Do They Fall Out?

As a parent, one of the most exciting milestones in your child’s early years is the arrival of their first baby teeth. Understanding when to expect baby teeth to come through and when they will eventually fall out can help you care for your child’s oral health and prepare for each stage of their development.

When Do Baby Teeth Erupt?

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, usually begin to appear around six months of age, though this can vary from child to child. In rare cases, some babies may have teeth at birth, while others may not see their first tooth until closer to 14 months.

The typical order of eruption is:

• Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) – 6 to 10 months

• Upper central incisors (top front teeth) – 8 to 12 months

• Upper lateral incisors (next to the front teeth) – 9 to 13 months

• Lower lateral incisors – 10 to 16 months

• First molars (back teeth used for chewing) – 13 to 19 months

• Canines (pointed teeth between incisors and molars) – 16 to 22 months

• Second molars – 25 to 33 months

By the time your child is 3 years old, they should have all 20 primary teeth.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Just as baby teeth don’t all appear at once, they don’t fall out at the same time either. Most children start losing their baby teeth around the age of six, though this can also vary. The order in which they fall out is usually the same as the order in which they came in:

• Lower central incisors – 6 to 7 years

• Upper central incisors – 6 to 7 years

• Upper and lower lateral incisors – 7 to 8 years

• First molars – 9 to 11 years

• Canines – 9 to 12 years

• Second molars – 10 to 12 years

By the age of 12 to 13, most children have lost all their baby teeth, making room for their 32 permanent (adult) teeth, which include wisdom teeth that may emerge later, typically between 17 and 25 years old.

What If My Child’s Teeth Are Early or Late?

Every child is different, and some may get their teeth earlier or later than the typical timeline. While variations are normal, it’s always a good idea to consult your dentist if you have concerns about delayed eruption or early tooth loss. In some cases, factors such as genetics, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying dental conditions may play a role.

Caring for Baby Teeth

Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in your child’s overall oral health. They help with speech development, proper chewing, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. Here are a few tips for keeping them healthy:

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears with a soft toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste.

• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water to prevent tooth decay.

• Encourage a balanced diet with minimal sugary snacks and drinks.

• Schedule your child’s first dental visit by the time they are 2 years old. 

Knowing when to expect baby teeth to appear and fall out can help you support your child’s oral development and ensure a smooth transition to their permanent teeth. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits will set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for advice and guidance.

At Mermaid Dental Studio, we recommend all children have their first dental check up by 2 years old, to get them used to the dental environment and to ensure normal development and eruption of the primary (baby) teeth. Our friendly dentists and staff will ensure a comfortable and calm first appointment to help set them up for a lifetime of dental confidence and education. 

Eligible children can receive $1132 worth of bulk billed dental care every 2years. The eligibility criteria can be found at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule

If your child is older than 2 and has not seen a dentist or it has been more than 6 months since their last visit, get them booked in today with our wonderful team.