What Order Do a Child's Teeth Come In?
Posted on 7/1/2025 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry |
 Teething is an exciting time for parents and children alike. It marks a significant milestone in a child's development and is often accompanied by drooling, fussiness, and even mild discomfort. But amidst all the excitement, one common question parents often have is: in what order do a child's teeth come in?
The Two Stages of Teething: Primary and Permanent
Understanding the order of teething involves understanding the two sets of teeth humans develop: primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. Primary teeth start emerging around 6 months of age and typically all 20 erupt by age 3. Permanent teeth begin replacing primary teeth around age 6 and continue erupting until all 32 are in place by the late teens.
The Typical Teething Order for Primary Teeth
| 1~ |
Central incisors (lower): These two front teeth on the bottom usually appear first, between 6-8 months. |
| 2~ |
Central incisors (upper): The two front teeth on the top follow next, typically around 8-12 months. |
| 3~ |
Lateral incisors: The four teeth next to the central incisors, two on top and two on the bottom, usually erupt between 9-16 months. |
| 4~ |
First molars: These four teeth, two on each side of the jaw, appear next, typically around 13-19 months. |
| 5~ |
Canines (cuspids): The four pointy teeth, two on top and two on the bottom, usually erupt between 16-23 months. |
| 6~ |
Second molars: The final four primary teeth, two on each side of the jaw, typically emerge between 23-33 months. |
The Teething Order for Permanent Teeth
| 1~ |
First molars: The first permanent teeth to erupt are the four first molars, two on each side of the jaw, usually appearing around age 6. |
| 2~ |
Central incisors: Next come the four central incisors, two on top and two on the bottom, replacing the primary central incisors, typically between ages 6-8. |
| 3~ |
Lateral incisors: Following the central incisors are the four lateral incisors, replacing the primary lateral incisors, usually erupting between ages 7-9. |
| 4~ |
First premolars: The four first premolars, two on each side of the jaw, erupt behind the canines, usually between ages 10-12. |
| 5~ |
Second premolars: The four second premolars, two on each side of the jaw, replace the primary canines, typically erupting between ages 11-13. |
| 6~ |
Canines (cuspids): The permanent canines, two on top and two on the bottom, erupt behind the first premolars, usually between ages 9-12. |
| 7~ |
Second molars: The four second molars, two on each side of the jaw, erupt behind the first molars, typically between ages 12-14. |
| 8~ |
Third molars (wisdom teeth): These four final permanent teeth, two on each side of the jaw, are the last to erupt, usually appearing between ages 17-25, or sometimes not at all. |
Keep in Mind...
It's important to remember that the exact timing of teething can vary from child to child. Some children may start and finish teething earlier or later than others. If you have any concerns about your child's teething or oral health, be sure to consult your pediatric dentist. They can assess your child's individual development and provide personalized advice and care.
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