Baby Teeth Eruption Chart & Order: What to Expect From First Tooth to Full Smile

Few milestones make parents reach for the camera like a baby’s first tooth. That tiny white edge breaking through the gum is exciting, and it usually arrives with a long list of questions. Which tooth comes first? Is my baby late? Why is he so fussy at two in the morning?

A reliable baby teeth eruption chart answers most of these worries at a glance. Knowing the order baby teeth come in, and the age ranges that count as normal, helps you spot what’s expected, soothe what’s uncomfortable, and recognize the rare moments when a professional should take a look.

This guide walks you through the full primary teeth eruption chart, explains the teething order tooth by tooth, covers symptoms and safe relief, and shows how to care for those new teeth from day one. It’s written for parents, caregivers, and the professionals who support them.

Why the Baby Teeth Timeline Matters

Baby teeth (also called primary or deciduous teeth) are sometimes dismissed as temporary. They aren’t unimportant. They help your child chew, speak clearly, and hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth waiting underneath.

Tracking the baby teeth timeline gives you three practical advantages:

• You know what’s normal. Eruption ages vary widely, and a chart keeps you from comparing your baby to a neighbor’s.
• You can time care correctly. The first tooth is your cue to start brushing and to schedule a dental visit.
• You can catch concerns early. Significant delays, missing teeth, or unusual patterns are easier to address when noticed early.

The Baby Teeth Eruption Chart (Ages and Order)

Most children end up with 20 primary teeth: ten on top and ten on the bottom. The chart below uses commonly cited age ranges for when each tooth erupts, meaning breaks through the gum. Treat the ranges as guidelines rather than deadlines.

If you prefer a quick baby teething chart by month, here is the same information in sequence:

• 6–10 months: bottom front teeth appear
• 8–13 months: top front teeth appear
• 10–16 months: bottom lateral incisors join in
• 13–19 months: first molars arrive
• 16–23 months: canines (the pointy “eye teeth”) come through
• 23–33 months: second molars complete the set

By about age three, most children have their full set of baby teeth.

The Order Baby Teeth Come In, Step by Step

The baby teeth order is surprisingly predictable. Teeth tend to appear in pairs, often one on the left and one on the right, and the lower teeth usually lead the way. Here is what to expect at each stage.

Stage 1: Bottom Central Incisors (6–10 Months)

The first teeth to appear are typically the two bottom front teeth. Some babies are born with a tooth, and others don’t get their first until after their first birthday. Both can be normal.

Stage 2: Top Central and Lateral Incisors (8–13 Months)

Next come the top front teeth, followed by the neighboring top lateral incisors.

Stage 3: Bottom Lateral Incisors (10–16 Months)

The bottom lateral incisors usually fill in beside the front teeth.

Stage 4: First Molars (13–19 Months)

First molars are the flat-topped teeth that sit toward the back. Because they’re larger than the front teeth, they often cause more noticeable discomfort. Many parents see a spike in drooling, chewing, and sleep disruption during this stage.

Stage 5: Canines (16–23 Months)

Canines, the pointed teeth next to the lateral incisors, tend to arrive after the first molars rather than before them. This surprises many parents who expect a strictly front-to-back order.

Stage 6: Second Molars (23–33 Months)

The second molars are the last baby teeth to erupt, and they’re the largest. Their arrival completes the set of 20. Because they sit at the very back, they can be harder to clean, so they deserve extra attention during brushing.

Is Your Child on Schedule? Understanding Normal Variation

Eruption timing runs in families. If you or your partner were early or late teethers, your baby may follow the same pattern.

A few points of reassurance:

• The first tooth can arrive anywhere from about 4 months to 15 months and still fall within the typical range.
• Teeth don’t always follow the exact order. A top tooth appearing before a bottom one is common.

Consider a conversation with a pediatric dentist if your child has no teeth by around 15–18 months, if teeth erupt in an unusual sequence, or if you notice missing teeth in the chart.

Teething Symptoms: What’s Typical and What Isn’t

Teething is the process of teeth moving through the gum. Some babies breeze through it. Others seem to struggle with every new tooth. Common teething symptoms include:

• Increased drooling
• Chewing or gnawing on hands, toys, and anything within reach
• Swollen, tender, or slightly red gums
• Irritability or fussiness, especially at night
• Rubbing the face or pulling at the ears

Symptoms That Are Not Caused by Teething

Teething is often blamed for problems it doesn’t cause. Pediatric experts generally agree that teething does not cause high fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, or a widespread rash. A temperature above about 101°F (38.3°C), persistent diarrhea, or a baby who seems unusually unwell should prompt a call to your pediatrician, not a shrug and a teething ring.

For a deeper look at symptoms and comfort strategies, Owl Pediatric & Orthodontic Dentistry has a helpful resource on baby teething symptoms and relief.

Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

When gums ache, a few simple, evidence-informed strategies go a long way:

1. Gentle gum massage. Wash your hands and rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for a minute or two.
2. Chilled, not frozen, teething rings. Solid rubber or silicone rings cooled in the refrigerator offer relief without the risk of an icy-hard surface.
3. A cold, damp washcloth. Let your baby chew on a clean, chilled cloth under supervision.
4. Pediatrician-approved pain relief. If discomfort is significant, ask your pediatrician about age-appropriate options and dosing.

What to Avoid

Skip benzocaine gels and homeopathic teething tablets, which health authorities have warned against for infants. Avoid amber teething necklaces and bracelets because of choking and strangulation hazards.

How to Care for Baby Teeth at Every Stage

Oral care begins before the first tooth appears and changes as your child grows.

Before the First Tooth

Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth after feedings and before bed.

When the First Tooth Appears

Switch to a soft, infant-sized toothbrush and brush twice a day. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, which is the amount recommended for children under three. Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice, since prolonged sugar exposure can lead to early childhood decay.

As Molars Arrive

Once the molars come in, brush the chewing surfaces thoroughly and begin flossing where two teeth touch. Keep a pea-sized amount of toothpaste in mind for ages three to six, and continue supervising brushing until your child can do a thorough job on their own, usually around age seven or eight.

The team at Owl Pediatric Dentistry offers dentistry for infants that includes gentle gum and tooth examinations, teething guidance, and feeding and habit counseling, so parents never have to figure out these early steps alone.

Toddlers and Complete Primary Teeth

Once all 20 teeth are in, around age three, the work shifts from “getting teeth in” to “keeping teeth healthy.” Toddlers are still at risk for cavities, especially with frequent sugary snacks, juice, or milk between meals.

Regular checkups every six months help monitor bite development, reinforce brushing skills, and apply preventive treatments such as fluoride when appropriate. Families looking for age-appropriate support can explore Owl’s dentistry for toddlers page to see what a toddler visit looks like.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out? The Shedding Timeline

The story doesn’t end when the last baby tooth erupts. Starting around age six, baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out so permanent teeth can take their place. This tends to happen in roughly the same order the teeth arrived.

A baby tooth that’s lost very early because of decay or injury can let neighboring teeth drift, which may affect spacing for the permanent tooth. If that happens, a pediatric dentist can advise on whether a space maintainer or other care is needed. In some cases, early orthodontic intervention can guide growth while a child’s jaws are still developing.

When to Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

One of the most common questions parents ask is when to take their baby to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.

That first appointment is typically short, calm, and focused on you as much as your baby. A pediatric dentist will:

• Gently examine the gums, teeth, and soft tissues
• Check for early cavity risk and eruption patterns
• Screen for concerns such as tongue-tie
• Offer tailored advice on cleaning, feeding, fluoride, and habits

Parents in the Bloomingdale area can learn more about what happens at your child’s first visit and how the team keeps appointments comfortable. For a broader picture of early preventive care, see the practice’s overview of infant and toddler dental services.

Signs You Shouldn’t Wait for the Next Checkup

Call a dentist sooner if you notice:

• White, brown, or dark spots on the teeth, which can signal early decay
• Swollen, bleeding, or persistently painful gums
• A tooth that looks chipped, discolored, or damaged after a fall
• No teeth by roughly 18 months
• Pacifier or thumb-sucking habits that seem to be changing the bite

Frequently Asked Questions

How many baby teeth do children have?

Most children develop 20 baby teeth: 10 on the upper arch and 10 on the lower arch.

What is the order baby teeth come in?

The typical sequence runs: bottom central incisors, top central incisors, top lateral incisors, bottom lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars. Small variations in order are normal.

When do babies start teething?

Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, though the first visible tooth most often appears between 6 and 10 months. Some babies start earlier or later and are still perfectly healthy.

When do baby molars come in?

First molars usually erupt between 13 and 19 months, and second molars arrive between about 23 and 33 months.

Does teething cause a fever?

Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it shouldn’t cause a true fever. If your baby’s temperature climbs above about 101°F or they seem unwell, contact your pediatrician.

Should I worry if my baby has no teeth at one year?

Not necessarily. Many healthy babies get their first tooth close to or after their first birthday. Even without teeth, a first dental visit by age one is still recommended, and it’s a good time to ask any eruption questions.

Final Thoughts: Use the Chart as a Guide, Not a Grade

A baby teeth eruption chart is a helpful roadmap, but every child travels the route at their own pace.

If you’re ready to give your child a strong start, the pediatric specialists at Owl Pediatric & Orthodontic Dentistry in Bloomingdale, IL are here to help, from the first tooth through the teen years. Whether you have questions about the baby teeth order, concerns about delayed eruption, or simply want to book your baby’s first checkup, reach out and let the team guide you through every stage of your child’s smile.