When Do Kids Get All Their Teeth?

The appearance of your child’s first tooth is an exciting moment, but when should it occur? We will give you a general outline that discusses when do kids get all their teeth and when they should start to lose them.

Every Child is Different, So Timelines Vary

When learning about when do kids get all their teeth, it is important to remember that every child is different. The timelines for tooth growth will vary from person to person. The estimates given are to give you a general idea of when specific teeth grow in and fall out. Some children may get these teeth earlier and some may get them later.

Teeth Actually Grow and Develop Before Your Child is Born

Many people are actually surprised to discover that a child’s teeth actually start to form even before they are born. Approximately three months into a pregnancy, the tissue that will be used to create teeth has started is developed.

Of course, a child won’t be born with a set of teeth, but he or she already has the tissue that will eventually develop into little teeth.

A General Timeline for Baby Teeth Eruption

Baby teeth, otherwise known as primary teeth, are the first set of teeth your child will develop. These teeth usually start to erupt around six months of age. However, some children may have their primary teeth erupting as early as three months. Others may not have their first tooth come through until they are a year old.

The following is a general outline of when primary teeth usually erupt. Eruption is when the teeth push through the gum and you can start to see the top, or crown, of the tooth.

The timeline for primary teeth is as follows:

Central incisors on the lower jaw – 6 to 10 months
Central incisors on the upper jaw – 8 to 12 months
Lateral incisor of the lower jaw – 10 to 16 months
Lateral incisor of the upper jaw – 9 to 13 months
Lower canine or cuspid – 17 to 23 months
Upper canine or cuspid – 16 to 22 months
First molar on the lower jaw – 14 to 18 months
First molar on the upper jaw – 13 to 19 months
Second molar on the lower jaw – 23 to 31 months
Second molar on the upper jaw – 25 to 33 months

While the rate in which the teeth on the upper mouth and lower mouth grow in, the rate at which the teeth on the left and right side of the mouth is the same. For example, the first molars on the lower jaw will grow in at the same time on both the left and right side.

When Does a Child Lose Their Primary Teeth?

Primary teeth will tend to be ‘shed’ or lost when permanent teeth start to grow in. Sometimes a primary tooth will fall out before a permanent tooth is ready to grow in.

The timeline for when primary teeth are shed or lost are as follows:

Central incisors on the lower jaw – 6 to 7 years
Central incisors on the upper jaw – 6 to 7 years
Lateral incisor of the lower jaw – 7 to 8 years
Lateral incisor of the upper jaw – 7 to 8 years
Lower canine or cuspid – 9 to 12 years
Upper canine or cuspid – 10 to 12 years
First molar on the lower jaw – 9 to 11 years
First molar on the upper jaw – 9 to 11 years
Second molar on the lower jaw – 10 to 12 years
Second molar on the upper jaw – 10 to 12 years

In addition to these teeth falling out and permanent ones growing in, a child may have a third set of molars grow in. This third set of molars, which is often called “wisdom teeth,” start to grow in around a child’s 16th birthday. We hope we’ve thoroughly answered the question when do kids get all their teeth?

If you are concerned about the rate in which your child’s teeth are growing in, call to schedule an appointment at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our dental team can examine your child and determine if their teeth are developing properly. If any problems are discovered our pediatric dentist can provide you with treatment recommendations that can help improve your child’s oral health.