| Quick Answer: Baby teeth typically erupt in this order: lower central incisors first (6–10 months), then upper central incisors, upper lateral incisors, lower lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars by around age 2.5 to 3. Most babies have all 20 baby teeth by age 3. Variation is normal — the timing can shift by months in either direction. |
If your baby just got their first tooth — or you’re trying to figure out what comes next — here’s the order baby teeth typically come in. At Tiny Teeth Kids’ Dentistry, with locations in Phoenix and Goodyear, we walk new parents through this every week.
The good news: there’s a predictable pattern, and most babies follow it within a typical range. Here’s what to expect.
The Order Baby Teeth Come In
Most babies follow this general sequence:
| Order | Tooth | Typical Eruption Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6–10 months |
| 2 | Upper central incisors (top front) | 8–12 months |
| 3 | Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| 4 | Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| 5 | Upper first molars | 13–19 months |
| 6 | Lower first molars | 14–18 months |
| 7 | Upper canines (cuspids) | 16–22 months |
| 8 | Lower canines | 17–23 months |
| 9 | Lower second molars | 23–31 months |
| 10 | Upper second molars | 25–33 months |
By around age 3, your baby should have all 20 primary (baby) teeth — 10 on top and 10 on the bottom.
How Many Baby Teeth Will My Child Have?
Twenty total. Eight incisors (front teeth), four canines (pointed teeth), and eight molars (back chewing teeth). All 20 baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent adult teeth between ages 6 and 12.
Variations Are Normal
The pattern above is the most common, but variation happens:
- Some babies are early bloomers (first tooth at 4 months) — usually fine
- Some are late bloomers (first tooth at 12+ months) — also typically fine
- Top-first eruption happens in about 10% of babies
- Asymmetric eruption (one side ahead of the other) usually evens out
If your baby has no teeth by 18 months, or if there’s significant asymmetric delay, a pediatric dental evaluation is worthwhile.
Symptoms During Tooth Eruption
Common signs your baby is teething:
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing on hands, toys, anything within reach
- Mild fussiness or irritability
- Slightly disrupted sleep
- Mild gum redness or swelling near the erupting tooth
- Decreased appetite during peak eruption
Things teething does NOT typically cause:
- High fever (above 101°F)
- Persistent diarrhea
- Severe rash
- Significant illness symptoms
If your baby has any of these, see your pediatrician — they’re not from teething.
When to Schedule the First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Our Phoenix and Goodyear locations specialize in first visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What baby teeth come in first?
Lower central incisors (the bottom front teeth) usually erupt first, around 6–10 months of age. Upper central incisors typically follow within a couple months.
What’s the order baby teeth come in?
Generally: lower central incisors → upper central incisors → upper lateral incisors → lower lateral incisors → first molars → canines → second molars. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by age 3.
Is it normal for top teeth to come in before bottom?
It’s less common but still within the normal range. About 90% of babies get bottom teeth first, but the order can vary without indicating any problem.
What’s the latest age for first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 12 months. If your baby has no teeth by 18 months, schedule a dental evaluation to check for delayed eruption or other concerns.
Do all babies get teeth in the same order?
Most do, but variation is normal. The general pattern is symmetrical (the matching tooth on the other side comes in around the same time). Asymmetric eruption that’s significantly delayed on one side is worth a dental evaluation.
When should baby teeth be done coming in?
All 20 baby teeth are typically in place by age 3. The full eruption sequence takes about 2.5 years from the first tooth to the last.
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Time for your baby’s first dental visit? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Tiny Teeth Kids’ Dentistry │ Phoenix (602.776.9700) + Goodyear (623.882.1400) │ Find a Location → |