Understanding the Tooth Eruption Schedule: A Parent’s Guide to Baby & Permanent Teeth
Watching your child’s first tooth come in is an exciting milestone, but do you know when the rest will follow? Understanding the tooth eruption timeline helps parents monitor oral development, identify issues early, and build healthy habits from the start. In this article, we cover when baby teeth appear, when they fall out, and when adult teeth take over.
Check out the Canadian Dental Association’s chart on tooth eruption.
What Is Tooth Eruption?
Tooth eruption is the process of teeth breaking through the gums. It happens in stages, starting around 6 months of age and continuing into the teen years as permanent teeth replace baby teeth.
Baby Teeth Eruption Chart
| Tooth Type | Eruption (months) | Shedding (years) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6–10 months | 6–7 years |
| Upper central incisors | 8–12 months | 6–7 years |
| Lateral incisors | 9–13 months | 7–8 years |
| First molars | 13–19 months | 9–11 years |
| Canines (cuspids) | 16–22 months | 10–12 years |
| Second molars | 25–33 months | 10–12 years |
🍼 By age 3, most children have 20 baby teeth.
🦷 Around age 6, baby teeth start falling out and are gradually replaced by 32 permanent teeth.
When to Expect Permanent Teeth
- First molars: 6–7 years (no baby tooth replacement – grow behind)
- Central incisors: 6–8 years
- Canines & premolars: 9–12 years
- Second molars: 11–13 years
- Wisdom teeth: 17–25 years (may require removal)
Need more info about wisdom teeth? Read our full guide here.
Tips for Parents During Tooth Eruption
✅ Soothe sore gums with a cold teething ring or clean finger rub
✅ Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
✅ Use fluoride toothpaste (grain of rice size for under 3, pea size after 3)
✅ Schedule the first dental visit by age 1
📅 Book your child’s first dental visit at Maxilla Dental – we love seeing little smiles grow!
When to See a Dentist Sooner
Contact us if you notice:
- Teeth erupting out of sequence
- No teeth by 18 months
- Double rows of teeth (permanent coming in behind baby ones)
- Severe teething pain, swelling, or fever
Early monitoring can prevent crowding and bite problems later on.
We Grow with Your Child’s Smile
At Maxilla Dental, we guide families through every stage of oral development—from that first tooth to the teenage years and beyond.
📅 Book an appointment now to keep your child’s teeth healthy at every step.
