Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, start growing beneath the gums around the fourth month of pregnancy. The first tooth usually appears between six months and one year, with a full set of twenty primary teeth by the age of three. The American Dental Association recommends a dental checkup around six months after the first tooth emerges. Taking care of baby teeth is important for speech, jaw development, proper chewing, and aligning adult teeth. It helps prevent tooth decay, early loss, and gum disease, ensuring good oral health for children.
In what order do primary teeth emerge?
The eruption of primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, generally follows a specific order. Here is the usual sequence of primary tooth eruption:
- The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) typically appear first, usually around 6-10 months of age.
- The upper central incisors (top front teeth) usually follow shortly after, around 8-12 months of age.
- The upper and lower lateral incisors (teeth adjacent to the front teeth) typically emerge next, usually between 9-16 months of age.
- The first molars, both upper and lower, tend to erupt around 12-18 months of age.
- The canines or cuspids (pointed teeth) usually come in around 16-23 months of age.
- Finally, the second molars, both upper and lower, typically appear between 23-33 months of age.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and the timing of tooth eruption can vary among individual children.
What else is known about primary teeth?
While every child follows their own timeline, baby girls tend to experience primary tooth eruption earlier than baby boys. Typically, the lower teeth appear before the corresponding upper teeth in both genders.
Teeth generally emerge in pairs, which means there may be periods of no new teeth followed by times when two or more teeth come through simultaneously. Primary teeth are smaller and have a whiter appearance compared to permanent teeth, reflecting the smaller size of the jaw. As children reach school age, a mix of primary and permanent teeth is commonly seen, creating a unique combination.
If you have questions or concerns about primary teeth, please contact our office.