Your child’s first tooth is an exciting milestone. It can also bring questions about sore gums, the order teeth come in, and when to schedule a dental visit. The Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix helps families understand tooth eruption and care for growing smiles, from the first baby tooth through the arrival of permanent teeth.
Use the baby teeth chart below as a general guide, and call (602) 878-4405 if you have questions about your child’s dental development.
Tooth eruption is the process of a tooth moving into its position in the mouth and becoming visible through the gums. When baby teeth begin breaking through, families usually call it teething. You may also hear the term “teething syndrome,” which refers to symptoms associated with this normal stage of development.
Most babies are born with 20 developing primary teeth beneath their gums. These baby teeth emerge gradually during the first few years of life.
The first tooth often appears around 6 months, usually one of the lower front teeth. Some babies start earlier, while others do not have a visible tooth until after their first birthday. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about age 3.
The timing and baby teeth order can vary. A tooth eruption chart shows typical ranges, not deadlines that every child must meet. Teeth often appear in corresponding pairs, but upper and lower teeth of the same type do not necessarily arrive together.
These typical eruption ages come from the American Dental Association’s primary tooth development chart. Ages are shown in months.
Baby tooth | Upper eruption age | Lower eruption age |
Central incisor | 8–12 months | 6–10 months |
Lateral incisor | 9–13 months | 10–16 months |
First molar | 13–19 months | 14–18 months |
Canine (cuspid) | 16–22 months | 17–23 months |
Second molar | 25–33 months | 23–31 months |
The central incisors are the two front teeth; lateral incisors sit beside them. Canines are the pointed teeth, and molars are the broader back teeth used for chewing. First molars commonly arrive before the canines, with second molars appearing later.
Delayed tooth eruption does not automatically mean something is wrong. Your dentist considers your child’s overall development and eruption pattern, rather than a single date on a chart. Bring concerns to your child’s checkup, especially if teeth appear to be blocked, a baby tooth remains while a permanent tooth is coming in, or there is pain or swelling.
Do not postpone the first dental visit while waiting for a tooth. Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday, even if no teeth are visible yet.
As a tooth approaches the surface, the nearby gums may feel tender. Common teething symptoms can include:
Some children have little discomfort, while others need more soothing. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, significant rash, or a child who seems ill should not be dismissed as teething. Contact your pediatrician if these symptoms occur, or if your child is unusually distressed, is not feeding well, or has fewer wet diapers.
Simple measures can help soothe sore gums:
Avoid amber teething necklaces and other teething jewelry because of choking and strangulation risks. Do not use benzocaine or lidocaine numbing products, homeopathic teething tablets, or belladonna products for teething. The FDA’s teething safety guidance explains why these products can be dangerous.
If discomfort is significant, ask your pediatrician or dentist whether a pain reliever is appropriate for your child’s age and weight. Do not give aspirin for teething. Persistent pain deserves an evaluation rather than repeated treatment at home.
Baby teeth eventually fall out, but they have important work to do first. They help children chew, develop speech, and maintain space for the permanent teeth. Keeping them healthy also helps prevent the discomfort and infection that can accompany tooth decay.
When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth may shift into the space. Your dentist can assess whether monitoring or a space maintainer is appropriate. Regular visits help us follow these changes as your child grows.
Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
Our baby dental hygiene guidance can help you build a routine that fits your child’s stage of development.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Your dentist can review toothpaste use, drinking-water sources, and whether fluoride varnish would benefit your child. Fluoride levels vary among water supplies, so do not assume all tap water is fluoridated or add supplements without professional advice.
Permanent teeth usually begin appearing around ages 6–7. The first permanent molars emerge behind the baby molars, so no baby tooth falls out to make room for them. Front teeth are also replaced during the early school years.
Other permanent teeth generally arrive over the following years, with second molars commonly appearing around ages 11–13. Wisdom teeth, if present and able to erupt, usually emerge later. The ADA’s permanent teeth eruption chart provides typical ages for each tooth.
During this transition, regular dental checkups help monitor tooth position, cleaning habits, and cavity risk. If there are concerns about crowding or the bite, we can discuss an orthodontic evaluation.
Schedule your child’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, and no later than their first birthday. Early visits give you a chance to discuss teething, feeding habits, brushing, and any changes you have noticed.
At The Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix, we can examine your child’s mouth, review growth and development, and answer your questions about home care. Establishing a familiar dental home makes it easier to follow your child’s progress over time.
The Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix accepts AHCCCS for eligible pediatric dental services. Our team can help review your child’s benefits for exams, preventive care, and recommended treatment, including any applicable coverage requirements.
Bring your insurance information to the appointment, or contact our office to review your insurance options before your visit.
From your baby’s first tooth to questions about permanent teeth, The Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix is here to help your family care for a growing smile.
Call (602) 903-4894 or contact us to schedule an appointment at our Phoenix office.
