Baby Teeth Eruption Order & Timeline, San Diego
Baby teeth usually erupt in a predictable order, starting with the two lower front teeth around 6 to 10 months and finishing with the second molars by about age 3. Permanent teeth begin arriving around age 6. Knowing the typical eruption order helps you care for new teeth, soothe teething safely, and recognize when to check in with your dentist.
Few milestones are as exciting (or as tear-filled) as a child’s first tooth. Understanding the baby teeth eruption order takes the mystery out of teething and helps you know what is normal and what is worth a question. At Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry in San Diego, we guide families through every stage of dental development, from that first bottom tooth to the last permanent molar. Below is a clear timeline of when teeth come in and fall out, how to comfort a teething baby safely, and when a late tooth deserves a closer look.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months, though some arrive earlier and some later, and both can be perfectly normal. The two lower front teeth (central incisors) usually come first, followed by the upper front teeth. The rest arrive in pairs over the next couple of years, and most children have all 20 baby teeth by around age 2 and a half.
Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline
Here is the typical order baby teeth come in and later fall out. Remember, these are averages, and a few months on either side is normal.
| Baby tooth | Usually erupts | Usually falls out |
|---|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6 to 10 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Upper central incisors (top front) | 8 to 12 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Lateral incisors (next to front) | 9 to 16 months | 7 to 8 years |
| First molars | 13 to 19 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Canines (pointed teeth) | 16 to 22 months | 9 to 12 years |
| Second molars (back) | 23 to 33 months | 10 to 12 years |
Permanent Teeth Eruption Timeline
The first permanent teeth, usually the lower front teeth and the first molars, arrive around age 6. The process continues into the late teens, and wisdom teeth, if they come in, appear last.
| Permanent tooth | Usually erupts |
|---|---|
| First molars and lower central incisors | 6 to 7 years |
| Upper central and lateral incisors | 7 to 9 years |
| Canines and premolars | 9 to 12 years |
| Second molars | 11 to 13 years |
| Wisdom teeth (third molars) | 17 to 21 years |
How to Soothe a Teething Baby Safely
Teething can make babies fussy, with sore, tender gums and extra drooling. You can ease the discomfort safely by:
- Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger or a cool, damp washcloth.
- Offering a chilled (not frozen) solid rubber teething ring.
- Giving extra cuddles and patience during the toughest days.
Just as important is what to avoid. The FDA warns against amber teething necklaces, which pose serious choking and strangulation risks, and against benzocaine teething gels and homeopathic teething tablets, which carry health risks for babies. Skip frozen or liquid-filled teethers as well. If your baby seems to be in real pain or runs a fever, call us or your pediatrician, since a true fever is not caused by teething.
When to Worry About a Late or Missing Tooth
Eruption timing varies a lot, so a tooth that is a few months behind is usually nothing to worry about. That said, it is worth a check if a tooth is many months overdue, if there is a big gap in the expected pattern, or if a baby tooth never gets loose while the others are falling out. Occasionally a permanent tooth is delayed, blocked, or missing altogether, and an exam with an X-ray is the only way to know. Early evaluation lets us plan calmly and conservatively.
Caring for New Teeth
Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first one appears, wiping with a soft cloth and then moving to a baby toothbrush with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste. Good habits from the very first tooth set the stage for a healthy smile. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first, so we can spot any concerns early and keep development on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What order do baby teeth come in?
A: Usually the two lower front teeth (central incisors) come first, around 6 to 10 months, followed by the upper front teeth, then the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally the second molars by about age 3. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by age 2 and a half.
Q: When do kids start losing their baby teeth?
A: Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, usually a lower front tooth, in roughly the same order the teeth came in. The process continues until about age 12, as permanent teeth take their place.
Q: Is it a problem if my child’s teeth come in late?
A: Often not. Eruption timing varies widely, and a few months in either direction is normal. If a tooth is many months overdue, or a baby tooth will not loosen while the rest are falling out, have it checked so we can rule out a delayed, blocked, or missing tooth.
Q: Are amber teething necklaces safe?
A: No. The FDA warns against amber teething necklaces because of serious choking and strangulation risks. Stick to safe options like a clean cool washcloth, a chilled solid rubber teether, and gentle gum massage.
Q: Does teething cause a fever?
A: Teething can cause mild fussiness, drooling, and slightly warm gums, but it does not cause a true fever. If your baby has a real fever or seems genuinely ill, contact us or your pediatrician, since something else is likely going on.
Questions About Your Child’s Teeth? We’re Here in San Diego
Whether your baby is teething or your child’s adult teeth are arriving, we are glad to help you know what to expect.
Call (858) 277-8086 or request an appointment online today. Conveniently located in the 4S Ranch and Rancho Bernardo area, proudly serving San Diego, Del Sur, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Poway, and Rancho Penasquitos.
Reviewed by Dr. Nikki Shafiei, board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
