Baby Teeth: What Parents Should Know
Many parents are surprised by how much is already happening in their child’s mouth before the first tooth shows. At birth, a baby usually has all 20 baby teeth forming beneath the gums. These teeth come through gradually over the first few years. Knowing when they arrive, why they matter, how to care for them, and when to see a dentist can make each stage feel less uncertain.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
The first teeth to appear are usually the two lower front teeth, typically around six months of age, though the timing varies between children. Teeth then come through in stages. As for how many baby teeth we have, most children do end up with a full set of 20 baby teeth, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom, by around age three.
The chart below shows roughly when each pair of baby teeth comes in and falls out. These are general ranges, and every child is different.
Upper Teeth
| Tooth | Comes In | Falls Out |
| Central incisor | 8 to 12 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Lateral incisor | 9 to 13 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Canine | 16 to 22 months | 10 to 12 years |
| First molar | 13 to 19 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Second molar | 25 to 33 months | 10 to 12 years |
Lower Teeth
| Tooth | Comes In | Falls Out |
| Central incisor | 6 to 10 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Lateral incisor | 10 to 16 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Canine | 17 to 23 months | 9 to 12 years |
| First molar | 14 to 18 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Second molar | 23 to 31 months | 10 to 12 years |
Shedding generally begins around age six, as the adult teeth growing beneath usually push the baby teeth out, and continues until around age twelve.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Since baby teeth eventually fall out, many parents wonder whether they need much attention. The question is understandable, but in the meantime, baby teeth do several jobs:
- Chewing: They help children bite and break down food properly.
- Speech: They support speech development as children learn to form sounds.
- Spacing: They hold space in the jaw for the adult teeth to grow into.
A baby tooth lost too early, through decay or injury, may affect how the adult tooth beneath it comes in, as neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap. If adult teeth later come in misaligned, a dentist can evaluate your child’s development and discuss long-term alignment options, such as ceramic braces in Singapore when they are older.
How to Care for Baby Teeth
Learning how to take care of baby teeth starts before the first tooth appears. Gently wiping your baby’s gums each day with a clean, damp cloth is a useful early habit.
Once the first tooth comes through, brush gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Around age three, this can increase to a pea-sized amount, and you can begin encouraging your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it. Children usually need help or supervision until they can clean every surface on their own, which tends to come from around age seven.
A few everyday habits can also help:
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals: Frequent sugar exposure can contribute to tooth decay.
- Avoid bedtime bottles: Milk or juice in a bottle at bedtime can pool around the teeth.
When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?
A first dental visit is generally recommended when the first tooth appears, or by your child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. Whether you see a general dentist or a children’s dentist, the visit is not usually about treatment. A dentist will check that the teeth and gums are developing as expected, and talk you through brushing technique, feeding habits, and what to look out for at home. If relevant, they can also advise on habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use. Seeing a dentist for kids early can also help the clinic feel familiar, which may make later appointments easier.
If you have questions about your child’s tooth development or would like to arrange their first check-up, a dentist can take a look and talk you through what they find. You can book a visit at your nearest Family Dental Centre clinic, and our dentist will check your child’s teeth and gums and talk you through home care.
