Children have 20 baby teeth, also called primary teeth. These start coming in around 6 months of age and are usually all in place by about age 3. Adults have 32 permanent teeth, which begin replacing the baby teeth around age 6.
That is the short answer. The longer answer involves timing, teething, and what happens when things do not go as expected. This guide covers all of it.
How Many Teeth Do Kids Have and When Do They Arrive?
Children have 20 primary teeth in total. Ten sit in the upper jaw and ten in the lower jaw. They are smaller and whiter than permanent teeth, and they are not just placeholders. They help a child chew, speak clearly, and hold space for the adult teeth growing underneath the gums.
The first tooth usually appears between 4 and 7 months of age. The lower front teeth tend to come first, followed by the upper front teeth. The rest fill in over the next two years or so. By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth.
Timing varies. Some babies get their first tooth at 3 months. Others do not have one until closer to 12 months. Both can be normal. A delay past 12 months is worth mentioning to a pediatrician or dentist, but it does not automatically signal a problem.
What Is the Typical Baby Teeth Chart by Age?
Baby teeth do not all show up at once. They arrive in a rough order, though the exact timing shifts from child to child. The chart below shows the general pattern most dentists expect to see.
| Age Range | Teeth Usually Appearing | Typical Number Present |
|---|---|---|
| 4-7 months | Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 1-2 |
| 8-12 months | Upper central incisors (top front) | 3-4 |
| 9-16 months | Upper and lower lateral incisors | 6-8 |
| 13-19 months | First molars | 10-12 |
| 16-23 months | Canines (cuspids) | 14-16 |
| 23-33 months | Second molars | 18-20 |
This order is a general guide, not a rule. A child who gets molars before canines is not doing anything wrong. Dentists look at the overall pattern over time, not whether each tooth arrived on schedule.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out and Permanent Teeth Come In?
Baby teeth start falling out around age 6. The lower front teeth are usually the first to go. From there, the process continues in roughly the same order the teeth came in. Most children have lost all 20 primary teeth by age 12 or 13.
Permanent teeth push up underneath the baby teeth and slowly dissolve their roots. That is why a loose baby tooth eventually falls out on its own. Pulling a tooth before it is ready can be painful and can raise the risk of infection.
The first permanent molars come in around age 6, behind the last baby teeth. These do not replace anything. They just appear at the back of the mouth, which is why parents sometimes miss them. By age 13, most children have 28 permanent teeth. The remaining four — the wisdom teeth — usually come in between ages 17 and 21, though not everyone has room for them.
One detail that surprises many parents: the American Dental Association and other dental organizations generally recommend a first dental visit by the time a child’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early visits are mostly about prevention and habit, not treatment.
What Does Teething Actually Feel Like for a Baby?
Teething can cause discomfort. The gums get swollen and tender as a tooth pushes through. Common signs include drooling, chewing on objects, fussiness, and trouble sleeping.
Some symptoms often blamed on teething are not caused by it. Research published in the journal Pediatrics found that symptoms like fever above 100.4°F, diarrhea, and widespread rash are not typical of teething. If a baby has those symptoms, look for another cause and call a doctor.
What can help:
- A chilled — not frozen — teething ring
- Rubbing the gums with a clean finger
- A cool, damp washcloth to chew on
Avoid teething gels that contain benzocaine. The FDA has warned against their use in children under 2 because of a rare but serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia. Teething necklaces and amber beads are also not supported by evidence and pose a strangulation or choking risk.
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter If They Fall Out Anyway?
Baby teeth are not disposable. They do several jobs that affect a child’s health well beyond the toddler years.
They help a child chew food properly, which supports nutrition. They help with speech development. And they hold space in the jaw so permanent teeth have a clear path to come in. If a baby tooth is lost too early — from decay or injury — nearby teeth can drift into the empty space. That can cause crowding or misalignment when the adult teeth arrive.
Cavities in baby teeth are common. The CDC reports that about 1 in 5 children aged 2 to 5 has at least one cavity. These cavities can spread if untreated, causing pain and infection. In severe cases, an untreated infection can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath.
This is why dentists treat cavities in baby teeth rather than waiting for them to fall out. A tooth that will be gone in two years is still worth protecting.
How Should You Care for a Child’s Teeth at Each Stage?
Oral care starts before the first tooth appears. Wipe a baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeding. Once a tooth shows up, brush it twice a day with a soft brush.
The CDC recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6. Fluoride toothpaste is safe when used in these amounts, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities.
Children need help brushing until they are around 6 or 7. Their hands are not yet steady enough to do a thorough job. Supervise brushing until you are confident they can spit out toothpaste and reach all surfaces on their own.
Flossing can start when two teeth touch. That usually happens between ages 2 and 6. A dentist or hygienist can show you how to do it without hurting the gums.
What About Missing Teeth, Extra Teeth, and Other Variations?
Not every child follows the standard count. Some are born missing one or more teeth. Others have extra teeth, a condition called hyperdontia. Both can run in families.
Congenitally missing teeth — where a permanent tooth simply never forms — are relatively common. The most frequent one to be missing is the upper lateral incisor, the tooth next to the two front teeth. Some children also lack wisdom teeth. That is not a problem on its own.
Extra teeth are less common. They often appear near the front of the mouth or as an extra tooth behind the upper front teeth. They can block other teeth from coming in and usually need to be removed.
If a child’s teeth seem to be coming in out of order, or if a permanent tooth is very late, a dentist can take an X-ray to see what is happening under the gums. This is a routine step, not a reason to worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teeth do kids have?
Children have 20 baby teeth total — 10 on top and 10 on the bottom. These are usually all in place by age 3.
At what age do kids start losing teeth?
Most children start losing baby teeth around age 6, beginning with the lower front teeth. By age 12 or 13, most have lost all 20.
Is a fever a sign of teething?
A slight rise in temperature can happen, but a fever above 100.4°F is not typical of teething. Research published in Pediatrics found that higher fevers and symptoms like diarrhea are usually caused by something else.
Can a child have more or fewer than 20 baby teeth?
Yes. Some children are born missing teeth, and others have extra ones. Both variations can run in families and are usually found during a dental exam or X-ray.
