Your Baby’s Teething Timeline

Teething is an important milestone in the development of a baby as it transitions toward independent eating and the subsequent development of speech. Understanding your baby’s teething phase with the help of baby teeth charts can be very helpful for new parents. This can help parents navigate the exciting yet, sometimes, challenging journey of the early development of their child's dental system.  

A baby teeth chart is a chart that gives the visual timeline of when each specific tooth is likely to erupt, so parents can anticipate the arrival of those tiny pearly whites. With this knowledge, new parents can understand the typical sequence and timing of tooth emergence, enabling them to prepare for and manage the teething phase with greater ease. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the subject and learn everything about baby teeth. 

When Do Babies Get Their First Teeth? 

Generally, teething can begin anywhere between 3 and 12 months of age. However, in some very rare cases (1 in 2000), a baby may even be born with a tooth already erupted. 

Just as each child is an individual, teething timelines will vary from child to child, as well. The general rule is that once your baby starts teething, about four teeth will come in every six months. These first teeth are known as primary or milk teeth and they will eventually begin to be replaced by permanent adult teeth when your child is between 6 and 12 years of age. 

Your baby’s first tooth is likely to appear between 4 months and 7 months maybe even as late as 12 to 14 months. Most children have their central incisors as the first set of teeth, which are located at the centre of the front and back rows. These little teeth mark an exciting beginning toward the full set of primary teeth. 

What Order Do Baby Teeth Grow In?

• 4-7 months 

It's likely that you'll spot the first teeth popping through when your baby is about 4 to 7 months old, but they can come in as late as 12 to 14 months. Usually, when babies get their first tooth, it’ll be one of the front lower teeth, known as the central incisors that come through. However, teething symptoms can begin as early as 3 months, so don’t be surprised if the first tooth makes an appearance around this time.  

• 8-12 months 

The next pair, due to erupting, is the top front teeth. These teeth are also called central incisors and this time, they’ll sprout from the top of the mouth.  

• 9-16 months 

The next set of teeth due to pop up are those on either side of the first central teeth, the lateral incisors, and usually at the top. Next, the lower lateral incisors, the teeth to the side of the bottom middle ones, will follow.  

• 13-19 months 

Just after your baby turns 1, you can expect the first molars to arrive, most likely starting on the top part of the mouth.  

• 16-23 months 

At the teething age of 16 to 23 months, the first canines, those sharp, pointy teeth, make an appearance.  

• 23-33 months 

Around your child’s second to third birthday, those second molars should finally fill in any last gaps, and your little one will now have a full set of 20 primary teeth.  Here’s a baby teeth chart that will help you gain a general understanding of which teeth erupt first and what is the general order of baby teeth appearance. While this may be different for each child, the knowledge of baby teeth order can come in handy when your child starts getting their first set of pearly whites. 

How Many Teeth Do Babies Have?

Babies get 20 primary teeth or milk teeth. This includes 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. The development of these teeth happens gradually and by the time a child is 3 years old, they will be fully complete. As the mouth of a baby is filled with these primary teeth, they assist a child in chewing their food, speaking clearly and maintaining space in the jaw for permanent teeth. About the age of 6, these baby teeth will fall out, allowing adult teeth to break through the child's gums. This makes good oral hygiene at an early age a good transition into full permanent teeth.

What If My Baby’s Teeth Come at a Different Time?

Growing teeth is not a competitive sport, and your baby’s teeth will arrive when they are ready. So, don’t be concerned if your friends’ children get teeth before your baby does. If you’re concerned about your baby showing teething discomfort, find out how to soothe teething symptoms in our article.

When Do Babies Need To Start Brushing?

You can start dental hygiene for your baby as early as the time they're born. You can use silicone finger brushes, which have soft bristles, or even a soft muslin napkin to gently massage your baby’s gums, ensuring there's no milk residue in the mouth.

When their first tooth appears, which is usually between the ages of 6 and 12 months, you should start brushing your baby’s teeth. It's important to use a low fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice—particularly after their last meal of the day. Encourage brushing their teeth twice a day from this age onwards.

Establishing this routine early on is crucial for promoting healthy dental habits. As your child grows, they may resist having their teeth brushed, so finding ways to make the experience enjoyable can help.

By age 3, the amount of fluoride toothpaste can be increased to a pea-sized amount. Supervision is key until children can spit out the toothpaste and brush on their own, which typically happens around the age of 7 or 8. By consistently practising these habits, parents help lay a strong foundation for their child’s lifelong oral health.

When Do Baby Teeth Start Falling Out?

Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, typically begin falling out at around age 6, though this can be different for every child. This usually starts with the lower central incisors and then progresses to the upper central incisors. The loss of baby teeth generally continues until about age 12 or 13, when most children have their full set of permanent teeth, aside from the wisdom teeth, which emerge later. The timeline for losing baby teeth can vary widely, but it is important for parents to encourage good oral hygiene throughout this period to ensure the healthy development of permanent teeth. Regular dental check-ups can also monitor the progress and address any concerns that might arise during the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth.

Caring For Teething Babies

Remember that babies can chew even without teeth, and it is always important to be mindful of choking risks and to supervise babies and young children when they are eating. Even when children have a full set of teeth, certain foods present a choking hazard. Grapes and cherry tomatoes, for example, should always be quartered (long ways) before being served to little ones. Find out more about feeding solids to your little one as she starts to sprout teeth.

As soon as that first tooth starts to poke through, you might be rushing out to the store (or going online) to buy a baby toothbrush and toothpaste, and maybe a teething toy to help soothe your little one’s gums. While you’re at it you could save yourself time by stocking up on any other supplies you’re running low on.

Try not to worry. Instead, enjoy every exciting milestone in your child's development. If you want to know what and when to expect teething to happen, see our teething timeline infographic below to find out more about the typical stages of teething.