Watching your baby’s first tooth appear is exciting and a little surprising. A baby teeth chart helps you know when each tooth will come in and when it will fall out, giving you a clear picture of your child’s dental milestones.
Most babies start teething around 6 months. By age 3, they usually have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
You can use a baby teeth chart to track which teeth erupt first—usually the lower front ones—and when to expect others, like molars, to follow. It also shows when those same teeth will loosen and make way for permanent ones.
Knowing this timeline helps you spot what’s normal and when to check in with a dentist.
As you explore the baby teeth chart, you’ll also learn how to care for those tiny teeth and ease teething discomfort. Understanding how teeth grow and shed makes caring for your child’s smile simpler and less stressful.
Understanding the Baby Teeth Chart
A baby teeth chart helps you see when each tooth usually appears and falls out. It also shows how your child’s smile develops from the first tooth to a full set of 20 primary teeth.
What the Baby Teeth Chart Shows
The chart is a timeline that tracks when each primary tooth erupts and later sheds. It usually lists teeth in pairs—upper and lower—so you can compare both sides of the mouth.
You’ll often see an age range, such as 6–10 months for lower central incisors or 13–19 months for first molars. These ranges are averages, not strict rules, since every child’s development is unique.
Most charts include visual guides or diagrams that label each tooth’s position. This helps you identify which tooth is coming in or falling out.
You can use it to track dental milestones, like the first tooth or when all second molars appear around age 2 to 3.
Types of Baby Teeth
There are 20 primary teeth in total—10 on top and 10 on the bottom. Each type has a specific role in chewing, speaking, and guiding adult teeth into place.
|
Type of Tooth |
How Many |
Purpose |
|
Central Incisors |
4 |
Bite and cut food |
|
Lateral Incisors |
4 |
Help tear food |
|
Canines (Cuspids) |
4 |
Grip and tear food |
|
First Molars |
4 |
Grind food |
|
Second Molars |
4 |
Finish chewing |
The central incisors are usually the first to appear, while the second molars are the last to come in. Each baby tooth holds space for a future permanent tooth, so caring for them early helps prevent crowding or decay later.
Order and Timeline of Tooth Eruption
Most babies get their first tooth—often a lower central incisor—around 6 months. By age 3, most children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth.
Here’s a general order and age range:
- Lower central incisors: 6–10 months
- Upper central incisors: 8–12 months
- Lateral incisors: 9–16 months
- First molars: 13–19 months
- Canines: 16–23 months
- Second molars: 23–33 months
Teething can cause drooling, irritability, and sore gums. Offering a chilled teething ring or gently rubbing the gums can ease discomfort while new teeth come in.
Baby Teeth Eruption and Shedding Stages
Your child’s smile changes a lot in the first few years. Baby teeth help with chewing, speaking, and keeping space for future adult teeth.
Knowing when these teeth appear and fall out helps you track healthy growth and spot any issues early.
Eruption Sequence and Timing
Most babies start teething around 6 months, though some begin earlier or later. By about 3 years old, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
The typical order of eruption:
|
Tooth Type |
Upper Teeth |
Lower Teeth |
Average Age (Months) |
|
Central Incisors |
8–12 |
6–10 |
6–12 |
|
Lateral Incisors |
9–13 |
10–16 |
9–16 |
|
Canines (Cuspids) |
16–22 |
17–23 |
16–23 |
|
First Molars |
13–19 |
14–18 |
13–19 |
|
Second Molars |
25–33 |
23–31 |
23–33 |
Teething can cause drooling, fussiness, and sore gums. You can ease discomfort with a clean teething ring or a cool washcloth.
Shedding and the Transition to Permanent Teeth
Baby teeth usually start falling out around age 6, making room for permanent teeth. The process often continues until about age 12 or 13, when most adult teeth have come in. The lower central incisors are usually the first to shed, followed by the upper ones.
Molars are often the last to go. If a baby tooth falls out too soon due to injury or decay, nearby teeth can shift. This can cause crowding or spacing problems when adult teeth erupt.
Dentists may use a small space maintainer to keep the gap open until the new tooth appears.
Variations in Tooth Development
Every child’s timeline is different. Some babies get their first tooth as early as 4 months, while others may not until after 12 months.
A few months’ difference is usually normal. Genetics, nutrition, and overall health can all affect tooth development.
For instance, children born prematurely may have delayed eruption.
If teeth appear very early, fall out too soon, or seem misaligned, talk with your child’s dentist. Regular checkups help track progress and catch issues like early tooth loss or delayed eruption before they affect permanent teeth.
Caring for Baby Teeth and Preventing Issues
Healthy baby teeth help your child chew, speak, and guide adult teeth into place.
Good oral care from the start lowers the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that can affect future smiles.
Daily Oral Hygiene for Babies
Start cleaning your baby’s mouth even before the first tooth appears. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the gums after feedings.
Once teeth erupt, switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Brush twice a day—morning and before bed. Make brushing fun by singing or using a colorful toothbrush your child likes.
Always help your child brush until they can do it well on their own, usually around age 6 or 7. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
The sugars can sit on teeth overnight and cause decay. Instead, offer water if your child needs comfort before sleep.
|
Age |
Toothpaste Amount |
Brushing Help |
|
0–2 years |
Smear (size of a grain of rice) |
Parent brushes |
|
3–6 years |
Pea-sized amount |
Parent supervises |
Preventing Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities in baby teeth happen when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that damage enamel. You can lower the risk by limiting sugary drinks and snacks.
Offer water and healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and cheese instead.
Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth. Dentists can apply fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel and check for early signs of decay.
Clean between teeth as soon as two teeth touch. Use soft floss picks or flossers made for kids.
Teach your child that brushing and flossing keep their teeth strong and bright. Keep in mind that untreated baby tooth decay can lead to pain and infections that affect permanent teeth later.
Early prevention saves time, money, and discomfort.
Recognizing and Managing Gum Disease
Gum disease in children often starts as mild gingivitis. You might notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums when brushing. These are signs that bacteria are building up along the gumline.
To manage it, keep brushing and flossing daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and gentle pressure to avoid irritation.
Make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of vitamin C and calcium, which support gum health. If bleeding or swelling continues, schedule a dental checkup.
The dentist may clean away plaque buildup and give advice on better brushing habits. Regular dental visits every six months help catch gum problems early.
Healthy gums keep baby teeth secure and create a strong base for adult teeth to grow in straight and healthy.
From Teething to Tender Care: Keep Your Baby Comfortable with Alppi
As your baby grows and those first tiny teeth begin to appear, comfort and care remain top priorities. Alppi Baby Wipes and Diapers are designed with your baby’s delicate skin in mind—soft, hypoallergenic, and made from safe, eco-friendly materials.
Alppi Baby Wipes provide gentle yet effective cleansing for everyday messes. They’re infused with skin-loving ingredients that soothe and protect, keeping your baby fresh and comfortable after every use.
Alppi Diapers offer superior leak protection, breathability, and all-day dryness—perfect for active little ones discovering their voice and the world around them. They come in diaper bundles, weekly bags, and monthly boxes, giving parents flexible options that fit their lifestyle and budget.
Parents trust Alppi for its commitment to quality, comfort, and sustainability, ensuring your baby stays happy and healthy as they reach every exciting milestone—from their first teeth to their first steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I expect my little one's first tooth to pop through?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months old, often a bottom front tooth. Some may start as early as 4 months, while others might wait until close to their first birthday.
Every baby’s timeline is a little different, and that’s perfectly normal.
What's the usual order for baby teeth to make their grand entrance?
Teeth usually come in pairs and follow a general pattern. The bottom front teeth (central incisors) appear first, followed by the top front teeth.
Next come the side teeth, then molars. Finally, the canines emerge. By age 3, most kids have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
Are there any tell-tale signs that a tooth is about to break through?
You might notice extra drooling, swollen gums, or a sudden urge to chew on everything. Some babies get fussy or have trouble sleeping.These signs usually start a few days before the tooth appears.
How can I help soothe my munchkin's sore gums during teething?
Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring. A cool, damp washcloth can also bring relief.
Avoid teething gels with numbing agents unless your pediatrician recommends them.
Is it normal for babies to run a fever when they're teething?
A mild rise in temperature can happen, but a true fever over 100.4°F (38°C) usually means something else, like an infection.
If your baby’s fever is high or lasts more than a day, check in with your doctor.
Can you give me a rundown on when baby teeth typically fall out?
Baby teeth usually start to loosen and fall out around age 6, beginning with the front teeth. The process continues until about age 12, when most permanent teeth have come in.
Regular checkups are helpful.
