Tooth Eruption

What's the 'first tooth' timetable?

The age at which the primary teeth first appear can vary considerably, the times shown in the illustration are average times only. The presence of some front incisor teeth can normally be expected by the age of 12 to 15 months. The lower front incisor teeth usually appear first followed by the upper front incisors. After all the incisors have erupted there is usually a delay before the canines come through. They normally appear after the first primary molars are in place. The last teeth to appear are the second primary molars. Some parents become concerned if the baby teeth do not come through in the 'normal' order or on schedule. It must be emphasised that children vary greatly in their tooth eruption patterns and invariably such worries are unfounded.

The arrival of second teeth

The first permanent teeth to appear are the first permanent molars (often called 6-year-old molars). These erupt behind the second primary molars, and are often mistaken for primary teeth. They are extremely important teeth and are crucial in the establishment of a correct bite. Over the next six to eight years the primary teeth are shed and replaced by their permanent counterparts. The last of the permanent teeth, the third molars, usually erupt between 17 and 25 years of age.

Eruption times of Primary Teeth Arch Tooth Eruption Mean (Months) Range Upper Central incisor 9 4-14 Lateral incisor 10 5-24 Canine 19 12-28 First molar 15 10-26 Second molar 27 18-42 Lower Central incisor 7 3-14 Lateral incisor 12 5-22 Canine 19 11-28 First molar 15 13-29 Second molar 27 18-39 Eruption Times of Permanent Teeth Arch Tooth Eruption (years) Upper Central incisor 7-8 Lateral incisor 8-9 Canine 11-12 First premolar 10-11 Second premolar 10-12 First molar 6-7 Second molar 12-13 Third molar 17-25 Lower Central incisor 6-7 Lateral incisor 7-8 Canine 9-11 First premolar 10-12 Second premolar 11-12 First molar 6-7 Second molar 11-13 Third molar 17-25

TOOTH ERUPTIONS