Introduction
Watching your baby's first tooth break through the gums is a milestone every parent looks forward to — and often worries about. When will it happen? Is it happening too early, or too late? And what happens years later, when that same tooth starts to wiggle and falls out?
In general, baby teeth begin erupting around 6 months of age, most appear by the age of 3 years, and they usually start shedding around 6 years. While the timing varies from child to child, understanding the typical timeline can help you know what to expect and when to seek professional advice.
What Are Milk Teeth or Baby Teeth?
Milk Teeth, also called Baby Teeth or Primary Teeth, are the first set of teeth that develop in infancy and childhood. A full set consists of 20 teeth — 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw.
Baby teeth begin developing before birth but usually become visible several months after birth. They play an important role in chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into their proper position.
Although temporary, milk teeth are not any less important than permanent teeth. Their premature loss or decay can affect a child's nutrition, speech, and long-term oral health outcomes.
When Do Baby Teeth Start Erupting?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months of age, although the timing can vary. Some babies may get their first tooth as early as 3 months, while others may not until around their first birthday—both can be within the normal range. The lower front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to erupt.
As teeth begin to emerge, babies may experience mild teething symptoms, including:
- Increased drooling
- Swollen or tender gums
- Irritability or fussiness
- Chewing on objects
- Mild changes in sleep or feeding
These symptoms are usually mild and can be managed at home. However, high fever, diarrhea, or a widespread rash are not considered typical teething symptoms and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Learn more in our detailed guide: Teething in Babies: Symptoms, Remedies & When to See a Dentist.Baby Teeth Eruption Chart (Month-by-Month Timeline)
The table below outlines the general eruption timeline. The exact timing may vary from child to child, and a difference of a few months is usually normal.
Note: By around 3 years of age, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
Order of Baby Teeth Eruption
Baby teeth usually erupt in the following order:
- Lower central incisors
- Upper central incisors
- Upper lateral incisors
- Lower lateral incisors
- First molars (upper and lower)
- Canines (upper and lower)
- Second molars (upper and lower)
This order helps ensure adequate spacing and function as the jaw continues to grow. This sequence supports normal chewing function and allows the teeth to develop as the jaw continues to grow.
When Do Baby Teeth Start Shedding?
Baby teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out around 6 years of age, though this can start as early as 4 years or as late as 7 in some children. Shedding generally follows a predictable sequence, beginning with the lower central incisors and progressing toward the back teeth.
This process, known as exfoliation, occurs because the roots of the primary teeth are gradually resorbed as the permanent teeth beneath them develop and push upward. The shedding process generally continues until around the age of 12–13 years, by which time most of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Baby Teeth Shedding Chart (Age-by-Age Timeline)
Baby Teeth vs Permanent Teeth
Baby teeth and permanent teeth serve different functions at different stages of a child's development. They also differ in their number, timing, and purpose.
Understanding these differences helps explain why baby teeth are important, even though they are eventually replaced.
Although temporary, baby teeth play an essential role in a child's oral development. They act as natural placeholders for permanent teeth, so losing them too early due to decay or injury can lead to spacing and alignment problems.
What If Baby Teeth Erupt Too Early or Too Late?
A slight variation in the timing of baby teeth eruption is usually normal. However, very early or significantly delayed eruption may sometimes require a dental evaluation.
Early Eruption:
Some baby teeth may erupt much earlier than expected. Based on when they appear, they are called:
- Natal teeth - These teeth are present at birth.
- Neonatal teeth - These erupt within the first 30 days after birth.
These teeth are uncommon and may need monitoring if they:
- Interfere with feeding
- Cause discomfort
- Are loose enough to pose a choking risk
Delayed Eruption:
If your child has no erupted teeth by around 18 months, a dental evaluation is advisable.
Possible factors of delayed eruption include:
- Genetic factors
- Premature birth
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Certain developmental or medical conditions (less commonly)
In many children, delayed eruption is simply a normal variation and does not require treatment. However, a dental examination can help identify or rule out underlying causes.
What If Baby Teeth Don't Fall Out on Time?
A slight delay in baby teeth falling out is usually normal. However, the following situations may require a dental evaluation:
Retained Baby Teeth:
- Sometimes, a baby tooth does not fall out when expected.
- This may happen if the permanent tooth is missing, unable to erupt normally, or developing in an unusual position.
Permanent Teeth Erupting Behind Baby Teeth:
- Sometimes a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth before the baby tooth falls out.
- This is commonly known as shark teeth
A pediatric dentist can assess whether a retained tooth needs intervention or simply more time.
Management of Delayed Eruption and Retained Baby Teeth
The management of delayed eruption or retained baby teeth depends on the underlying cause, the child's age, and the stage of dental development. While many cases only require monitoring, others may benefit from timely dental treatment.
Delayed Eruption of Milk (Primary) Teeth:
Management may include:
- Monitoring if the delay is within the expected range.
- Dental X-rays, when clinically indicated, to assess tooth development and position.
- Nutritional assessment if a nutritional deficiency is suspected.
- Medical evaluation if the delay is related to an underlying medical or developmental condition.
- Management of underlying causes when identified.
- Regular dental follow-up to monitor eruption progress.
Retained Baby Teeth:
Management includes:
- Monitoring and observation is sufficient if the tooth is healthy and there is no immediate concern.
- Dental X-rays, when clinically indicated, to check the presence, development, and position of the permanent tooth.
- Extraction of the retained baby tooth if it interferes with the normal eruption of the permanent tooth.
- Management of underlying causes, such as ankylosis or an impacted permanent tooth.
Note: If a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth shark teeth and does not move into its normal position after the baby tooth is lost, orthodontic treatment may be needed.
Premature Loss of Baby Teeth:
When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, management may include:
- Monitoring if there is no significant risk to the developing permanent tooth.
- Placement of a space maintainer, if a baby tooth is lost early and nearby teeth may shift into the space.
- Regular dental follow-up to monitor the development and eruption of the permanent tooth.
Tips to Care for Baby Teeth During Eruption and Shedding
- During eruption: Clean the emerging teeth gently with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring can help ease gum discomfort.
- After the teeth erupt: Begin brushing twice daily with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years, increasing to a pea-sized amount after 3 years of age.
- During shedding: Encourage children not to forcibly pull at loose teeth — natural movement and gentle wiggling with a clean finger is usually enough. Forcible removal can occasionally cause discomfort or minor bleeding.
- Diet: Limit frequent exposure to sugary snacks and drinks, which can contribute to decay in both primary and newly erupting permanent teeth.
- Routine checkups: Regular dental visits allow early identification of eruption or shedding irregularities before they become larger issues.
When Should Your Child Visit a Pediatric Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by the age of 1 year, or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Beyond this initial visit, consider scheduling a dental evaluation if you notice:
- No teeth by 18 months
- A baby tooth that hasn't loosened despite a permanent tooth emerging behind it
- A lost baby tooth is not followed by eruption of the permanent tooth within the expected timeframe
- Signs of decay, discoloration, or pain around erupting or shedding teeth
- Persistent discomfort that doesn't improve with home care
Regular dental checkups, typically every six months or as recommended by your dentist based on your child's individual needs, help track oral development and identify potential concerns early.
Conclusion
Understanding the baby teeth eruption and shedding timeline helps parents know what to expect as their child's smile develops. While the timing can vary, most children follow a predictable pattern.
If you notice delayed eruption, retained baby teeth, or other concerns, consult a pediatric dentist for timely evaluation and care.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes and does not replace professional dental consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
References
- 1.Hulland, S. A., Lucas, J. O., & Wake, M. A. (2000). Delayed tooth eruption: A review. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 66(6), 326–327.
- 2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, August 2). Baby teeth: When do children start losing them? Mayo Clinic.
- 3. American Dental Association. (2014). Taking care of your child's smile. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 145(5), 518–519.
- 4. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Eruption charts. MouthHealthy.
- 5. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Teething (Teething Syndrome): Symptoms & Tooth Eruption Chart.
- 6. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2025). Policy on early childhood caries (ECC): Consequences and preventive strategies. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry.
Authored By
BDS, Fellowship in Endodontics
A dentist and health educator trained in Endodontics and Cosmetology, with experience in multidisciplinary clinical practice. She focuses on evidence-based, patient-centered dental care, emphasizing early intervention and improving patient understanding through clear, practical oral health education.