Eruption Patterns of Primary (Baby) Teeth

Teeth begin forming in children very early in life, as early as the first month of the second trimester of pregnancy. That is why it is so important for pregnant women to follow a proper diet. It is not only to have a healthy baby, but to ensure the proper formation of the teeth. When the hard tissue (the future enamel) of the tooth is forming, minerals and nutrients are taken up by the teeth and incorporated into the structure of the enamel. Good nutrition makes the teeth stronger. Poor nutrition can interfere with proper enamel formation. Eat wisely. Consult your physician about needed vitamin supplements and before taking any medications.

This reference will help you know when baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth, are due to come in and eventually fall out, as the permanent teeth come in. Girls' teeth usually come in before boys' teeth. There is a 6 to 8 month leeway that is considered a normal variation on either side of the age the teeth come into the mouth. Some children might get teeth even earlier or later than that. It depends on their growth patterns. We hope to see teeth come in later, rather than earlier. If the teeth come in later, there is a good chance the mouth will be bigger so the teeth have the necessary room to come in straight. The older a child is when he gets a tooth, the more hand skill he will have for brushing and flossing the tooth to keep it clean and disease-free.

The normal child dentition will have 20 baby teeth. Adults typically have 32 teeth, although there is evidence that many adults do not have tooth buds for the 4 wisdom teeth.

Primary Teeth

Primary teeth start forming at 4 to 6 months in utero, the second trimester of pregnancy. After the baby is born, the teeth continue to grow and erupt into the mouth.

lower central incisors                           6 months

lower lateral incisors                            7 months

upper central incisors                          7.5 months

upper lateral incisors                           9 months

lower canines and eyeteeth               16 months

lower second molars                           20 months

upper second molars                           24 months

If you have any questions about the formation of teeth, please feel free to ask us at (512)250-5012.

 –Omni Dental Group