Your baby usually starts getting teeth around six months, with the lower central incisors popping up first. Following that, you can expect the upper central incisors to appear between eight to twelve months. The order continues with upper lateral incisors around nine to thirteen months, and lower lateral incisors from ten to sixteen months. Additionally, first molars come in between thirteen to nineteen months for the upper and fourteen to eighteen months for the lower. It's essential to keep up with dental care, and there's more to discover about teething management and dental visits that'll benefit your little one's oral health.
Key Takeaways
- Babies typically get their first tooth, usually lower central incisors, between 6 to 10 months of age.
- Upper central incisors usually emerge next, typically between 8 to 12 months.
- The order of eruption continues with upper lateral incisors (9-13 months) and lower lateral incisors (10-16 months).
- First molars appear around 13 to 19 months for upper and 14 to 18 months for lower.
Teething Timeline Overview

When do you expect your baby's first tooth to come in? Typically, you can anticipate the first tooth, usually a pair of lower central incisors, to erupt between 6 to 10 months. This marks the beginning of the teething process, where your little one might experience various teething symptoms like irritability or drooling.
According to the baby teeth chart, the upper central incisors follow between 8 to 12 months, leading to a timeline of baby teeth eruption that continues with lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars.
Each child is unique, so don't be alarmed if your baby's tooth eruption timeline varies. Some infants may start teething as early as 3 months, while others mightn't see their first tooth until after their first birthday.
Order of Tooth Eruption

Understanding the order of tooth eruption helps you anticipate what to expect as your baby's teeth come in, starting with the lower central incisors around 6 to 10 months. This is an exciting time in your child's development, as these first teeth are essential for eating and speech.
Here's a quick reference table for the order of tooth eruption:
Tooth Type | Eruption Age (Months) |
---|---|
Lower Central Incisors | 6 – 10 |
Upper Central Incisors | 8 – 12 |
Upper Lateral Incisors | 9 – 13 |
Lower Lateral Incisors | 10 – 16 |
Upper First Molars | 13 – 19 |
Lower First Molars | 14 – 18 |
Managing Teething Discomfort

Teething can cause significant discomfort for babies, but there are effective ways to manage their symptoms and provide relief. Common teething symptoms include increased drooling, gum swelling, and irritability, often leading your baby to gnaw on objects for comfort. To soothe sore gums, try giving them cold teething rings or frozen washcloths. These can provide a cooling sensation that eases discomfort.
Another helpful technique is massaging your baby's gums with clean fingers. This gentle pressure can alleviate some of the pain they're feeling. While mild temperature increases (below 38°C) can occur during teething, be vigilant for high fever, as this may require you to consult your pediatrician.
If your baby seems to be experiencing significant teething discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers may be an option. However, always consult with your pediatrician before administering any medication. It's also important to avoid teething gels containing benzocaine due to safety concerns.
Importance of Dental Care

Establishing good dental care habits early on sets the foundation for your baby's long-term oral health. Early dental care is vital, beginning as soon as the first tooth erupts. You should brush those tiny teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily to promote proper oral hygiene.
The first dental visit is recommended by age 1, which allows your pediatric dentist to monitor dental development and address any concerns regarding teething or potential issues. Regular dental check-ups help guarantee that primary teeth, essential for chewing, nutrition, and speech development, are healthy.
These primary teeth also guide the alignment of permanent teeth, making their care even more important. By starting a routine of dental visits early, you can prevent potential issues that might arise later on. Your pediatric dentist can provide tailored guidance to help you navigate your baby's unique dental milestones.
First Dental Appointment Guidelines

Scheduling your baby's first dental appointment soon after their first tooth erupts is vital to guaranteeing a healthy start for their oral health. Ideally, this should happen by your child's first birthday. Pediatric dentists will assess normal dental development and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices.
Appointment Focus | Discussion Points | Outcomes |
---|---|---|
Teething Concerns | Symptoms, soothing methods | Relief strategies |
Dietary Habits | Foods to encourage or avoid | Nutritional advice |
Fluoride Needs | Appropriate fluoride use | Preventative care guidance |
Regular Check-Ups | Frequency of visits | Consistent monitoring |
Establishing a 'dental home' by age one guarantees your child receives consistent dental care. During the first visit, you can address any teething concerns and dietary habits. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring oral health and preventing issues as your child grows. By prioritizing this first dental appointment, you're setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
In What Order Should Baby Teeth Come Out?
When baby teeth start to come out, they'll typically follow a specific order. You can expect the lower central incisors first, followed by upper incisors, laterals, molars, and finally, canines, completing the set.
What Teeth Should a 12 Month Old Have?
At 12 months, you can expect your baby to have 4 to 8 teeth. Typically, the lower central incisors come first, followed by upper central incisors, with possible lateral incisors emerging soon after. The next to appear are usually the first molars, and then the canines. However, every baby is unique, so the order in which teeth come in can vary. This variation is all part of the natural baby teething timeline. During the baby teeth development process, you may notice some common symptoms of teething, such as increased drooling, fussiness, and irritability. It’s important to provide your baby with teething toys or gently massage their gums to help alleviate discomfort. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene by gently wiping your baby’s gums and emerging teeth with a clean, damp cloth. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to monitor the progress of your baby’s teeth development and ensure their oral health is on track.
What Is the Average Month Babies Get Teeth?
Most babies get their first teeth around 6 to 7 months, though it can vary. You might notice lower central incisors first, followed by upper central incisors, typically emerging between 8 to 12 months.
When Do Babies Cut Molars?
Did you know most babies cut their first molars between 13 and 19 months? You'll notice increased drooling and gum discomfort around this time, as those important teeth come in for chewing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding your baby's teething journey helps you celebrate each milestone, soothe their discomfort, and embrace the joys of dental care.
As those tiny teeth emerge, you'll cherish the smiles, navigate the challenges, and foster healthy habits.
By staying informed and proactive, you're laying the groundwork for a lifetime of bright smiles and strong teeth.
So, enjoy the process, stay patient, and remember—you're not just witnessing teething; you're nurturing a beautiful future.