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Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline

See which of your baby's 20 primary teeth have appeared, which are erupting now, and what's coming next. Select your baby's age for a personalized tooth-by-tooth status view.

0

Appeared

2

Erupting now

20

Primary teeth total

ToothEruption RangeStatus
Upper Central Incisors8–12 monthsErupting now
Upper Lateral Incisors9–13 monthsComing soon
Upper Canines (Cuspids)16–22 monthsNot yet
Upper First Molars13–19 monthsNot yet
Upper Second Molars25–33 monthsNot yet
Lower Central Incisors6–10 monthsErupting now
Lower Lateral Incisors10–16 monthsComing soon
Lower Canines (Cuspids)17–23 monthsNot yet
Lower First Molars14–18 monthsNot yet
Lower Second Molars23–31 monthsNot yet
🦷Teeth in the "erupting now" window may be causing teething discomfort. Common signs include drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and disrupted sleep.
Normal teething does not cause high fever (>38°C / 100.4°F), vomiting, diarrhea, or significant illness. These symptoms warrant a call to your pediatrician.

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The Complete Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline

Baby teeth (primary teeth or deciduous teeth) follow a fairly predictable sequence, though the timing varies by several months from child to child. The process begins with the lower front teeth around 6 months and finishes with the upper and lower second molars around 2.5–3 years of age. Understanding this timeline helps parents know what to expect, recognize teething discomfort, and time the first dental visit appropriately.

Full Eruption Timeline at a Glance

ToothEruptsSheds
Lower Central Incisors6–10 months6–7 years
Upper Central Incisors8–12 months6–7 years
Upper Lateral Incisors9–13 months7–8 years
Lower Lateral Incisors10–16 months7–8 years
Upper First Molars13–19 months9–11 years
Lower First Molars14–18 months9–11 years
Upper Canines16–22 months10–12 years
Lower Canines17–23 months9–12 years
Lower Second Molars23–31 months10–12 years
Upper Second Molars25–33 months10–12 years

Caring for Baby Teeth: What Parents Need to Know

🪥

Start Brushing Immediately

Begin brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (rice grain size) as soon as the first tooth appears. Move to a pea-size amount at age 3.

🍼

Avoid Bottle Decay

Never put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. The sugar pools around teeth overnight and causes rapid decay known as 'bottle rot'.

🧑‍⚕️

First Dentist Visit

AAP and AAPD recommend the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth — whichever comes first.

💧

Fluoride Matters

Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces decay risk. Use fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated water, and ask your dentist about fluoride varnish treatments starting at the first visit.

🚫

Skip the Teething Gels

Gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, a serious blood oxygen condition. Use teethers, gum massage, or acetaminophen if appropriate.

🦷

Baby Teeth Matter

Primary teeth aren't just placeholders. They help children chew, speak, and hold space for permanent teeth. Tooth decay in primary teeth can cause pain, infection, and misalignment of adult teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do baby teeth start coming in?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is considered normal. The lower central incisors (bottom front two teeth) are usually first. Some babies are born with teeth (natal teeth), and very rarely, babies have no teeth at 12 months — both extremes are usually benign but worth mentioning to your pediatrician.

In what order do baby teeth erupt?

The typical order is: (1) lower central incisors (6–10 months), (2) upper central incisors (8–12 months), (3) upper lateral incisors (9–13 months), (4) lower lateral incisors (10–16 months), (5) upper and lower first molars (13–19 months), (6) upper and lower canines (16–23 months), (7) upper and lower second molars (23–33 months). There is significant variation — this is a guide, not a fixed timeline.

How many baby teeth does a child get in total?

Children get 20 primary (baby) teeth in total: 4 central incisors, 4 lateral incisors, 4 canines, 4 first molars, and 4 second molars. All 20 are usually fully erupted by age 2.5 to 3 years.

What are teething symptoms vs. symptoms that need a doctor?

Normal teething can cause drooling, gum swelling, irritability, biting, and slightly disrupted sleep. It does NOT typically cause high fever (above 38°C / 100.4°F), vomiting, diarrhea, ear pulling, or significant illness. If your baby has these alongside suspected teething, consult your pediatrician to rule out other causes like ear infection or illness.

How do I soothe a teething baby?

AAP-recommended approaches: cool (not frozen) teething rings, firm rubber teethers, gum massage with a clean finger, and extra snuggles. Avoid: teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine (dangerous for babies), amber teething necklaces (strangulation and choking hazard), and frozen teething rings (too hard, can damage gums).

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use an infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (rice grain size) for babies under 3 years. Brush twice daily — after breakfast and before bed. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends establishing this habit immediately with the first tooth.

My baby is 10 months old and has no teeth. Is that normal?

Yes — some babies don't get their first tooth until 12–14 months and still fall within the normal range. Genetics play a large role in tooth timing. However, if no teeth have appeared by 12–15 months, mention it to your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric dentist for a quick check.

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