What Order Do Baby Teeth Come In?

The Order of Baby Teeth

Within the first few years of your child’s life, they will develop 20 baby teeth. The first of these teeth to develop are the central incisors, followed in order by the lateral incisors, first molars, the cuspids or canines, and finally the second molars.

The bottom teeth are typically the first to come in for each type of tooth, so for example, the bottom central incisors will come in before the top central incisors. Baby teeth come in at the front of the mouth first and then work their way outwards.

Timing of Baby Teeth

While each child develops at a different pace and no two children are alike, you can expect your child’s first teeth (the bottom central incisors) to come in at around 6 months of age. After your child’s first teeth come in, you can expect teeth to continue coming in about every 4 months.

Following the bottom central incisors, the top central incisors would come in. This would continue until your child has all 20 baby teeth by the age of 3 years old.

While it is typical for children to receive their first tooth by 6 months old, it is not unusual for some children to develop later than this. Girls tend to have their teeth grow a little sooner than boys and your child may not develop their first teeth until they’re 12 months old. The rate and age that your children receive their teeth are somewhat impacted by their genetics.

Signs Something is Wrong

A child’s teeth can erupt later than typical or in the wrong order. This is not necessarily a cause for concern, but warrants informing your pediatric dentist about it, especially if your child has not received their first tooth by 18 months old. 

Children should start seeing a dentist by the time their first tooth comes in or by the time they turn one – whichever comes first. A pediatrician or dentist will be able to tell you what is normal and what is cause for concern.

A bigger issue to look out for than timing and order of teeth is the spacing in which they come in and prevent oral health issues. If your child’s teeth are too close together, this could mean there won’t be enough space for their permanent teeth to come in or they could become crooked or overcrowded. 

Baby teeth also face a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities than adult teeth, so you should pay particular attention to signs of decay, early tooth loss, and gum disease. Your child will lose their first baby teeth at around 6 years old to make room for permanent teeth. However, you should watch out for premature tooth loss. If a tooth is lost too early, your child may need space maintainers until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

Early Detection & Prevention With Arctic Dental, PLC Pediatric Dentistry

If your child’s first teeth have just come in or they are at least 1 year old and have yet to attend their first dental visit, contact us at Arctic Dental today! Take your child for their first checkup or dental cleaning.

We must monitor your child’s oral health and tooth growth as soon as possible to ensure that there is nothing abnormal that will cause long-term dental problems. Ensure that your child grows happy and healthy by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Jarod.