Baby Teeth Timeline: What Parents Need to Know About Timing and Care

What Are the Different Stages in Baby Tooth Development?

Baby teeth come in at different times and follow a specific pattern. Here are the main stages of baby tooth eruption:

1. 1

   Stage 1: Gums Before Teeth

   Baby teeth start forming under the gums even before birth. These teeth develop inside the jawbone while your baby is still in the womb.

2. 2

   Stage 2: First Teeth Appear (6 to 10 Months)

   The lower central incisors, or bottom front teeth, are usually the first to erupt. This typically happens between six to ten months of age.

3. 3

   Stage 3: Top Front Teeth (8 to 12 Months)

   The upper central incisors, or top front teeth, come in next. This gives your baby their first complete front smile.

4. 4

   Stage 4: Lateral Incisors Join In (9 to 16 Months)

   The teeth next to the central incisors, called lateral incisors, begin to erupt. Both the top and bottom sets appear during this stage.

5. 5

   Stage 5: First Molars Come In (13 to 19 Months)

   These are the larger teeth located at the back of the mouth. They help your baby start chewing soft foods more easily.

6. 6

   Stage 6: Canines Fill the Gaps (16 to 22 Months)

   The pointed teeth next to the lateral incisors, called canines, come in next. These are important for biting food.

7. 7

   Stage 7: Second Molars Complete the Set (23 to 33 Months)

   The last teeth to arrive are the second molars. They appear at the very back of the mouth and complete your baby's set of 20 primary teeth.