Every child's timetable is a little different; a few months either way is normal. Even so, knowing the general order helps you tell whether things are on track.
In what order do milk teeth come through?
There are 20 milk teeth in total. The lower teeth usually appear a little before the upper ones.
- 6–10 months: Lower central incisors
- 8–12 months: Upper central incisors
- 9–16 months: Lateral incisors
- 13–19 months: First molars
- 16–23 months: Canines
- 23–33 months: Second molars
By the age of three all the milk teeth have come through. If a baby has no teeth at all by their first birthday, an examination is recommended.
The teething baby
While teething, a baby may be unsettled, dribble more, have red gums and want to put everything in their mouth. To soothe them:
- Gently massage the gum with a clean finger.
- Offer a teething ring chilled in the fridge (not frozen).
- Wipe the dribble often; it can irritate the skin around the chin.
High fever, diarrhoea and vomiting are not signs of teething; in these cases see your child's doctor. Do not use teething gels containing a numbing agent without asking a doctor or dentist.
In what order do milk teeth fall out?
They are usually lost in the order they arrived.
- 6–7 years: Lower and upper central incisors
- 7–8 years: Lateral incisors
- 9–11 years: First molars
- 9–12 years: Canines
- 10–12 years: Second molars
At around six, the first permanent molars come through behind the milk molars. These teeth do not replace any milk tooth; they are often mistaken for milk teeth and neglected. Yet they are teeth meant to last a lifetime.
What to do about a wobbly milk tooth
- Let your child wiggle the tooth with their tongue and a clean finger; most teeth fall out by themselves.
- Do not pull it by force. Pulling a tooth whose root has not fully dissolved causes pain and bleeding.
- After the tooth falls out, have your child bite on a clean piece of gauze for a few minutes.
- Do not stop brushing around the wobbly tooth.
When should you see a dentist?
- If the permanent tooth has come through behind or in front of the milk tooth before it fell out, and the milk tooth has not gone within a few weeks
- If six months have passed since a milk tooth fell out and no tooth has appeared in its place
- If a milk tooth has been lost much too early because of decay or a blow
- If no milk tooth has fallen out by the age of eight
A space maintainer may be needed to keep the place of a milk tooth lost early. Details are on our pediatric dentistry page.
Why are new permanent teeth yellow and ridged?
Permanent teeth look more yellow than milk teeth because their dentine layer is thicker. The difference stands out when they sit side by side, but it is normal. The ridges on the edges of newly erupted front teeth also wear smooth with chewing over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a problem if milk teeth come through late?
A delay of a few months is usually a family trait and not a problem. If a baby has no teeth at all at twelve months, an examination is recommended.
A milk tooth has fallen out. When will the new tooth appear?
Usually within a few weeks to a few months. If it takes longer than six months, the tooth underneath is checked with an X-ray.
Should I keep a milk tooth that has fallen out?
There is no medical need to. A milk tooth knocked out by a blow is not put back in; it can still be shown to the dentist at the examination.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a complaint, please see your dentist.