How Teeth Develop

At birth, a baby usually has twenty primary (baby) teeth. Between six months to one year, the first primary teeth emerge. Within the first year you should come visit us and start bringing your baby.

TIP Watch out for baby tooth decay from baby bottles.

The primary teeth continue to emerge until all twenty are in, usually by the third birthday.

TIP Continue to monitor for tooth decay. Discuss how to care for your baby's teeth with us.

Your child's jaw continues to develop in preparation for the emergence of permanent (adult) teeth. Nutrition and good oral hygiene habits are crucial to establishing a lifetime of good dental health.

TIP Thumbsucking should have ended by age three. If your child is still sucking their thumb or pacifier, make an effort to break them of the habit. Discuss possible aids with us.

Your child should be learning to brush their teeth, and often can do it without supervision by age seven. Start flossing around seven or eight. The primary teeth shed as the permanent teeth emerge. The first permanent teeth to emerge are the four front teeth called the central incisors. Next to emerge are the teeth on either side of the central incisors, the lateral incisors.

TIP By age eight, start looking out for malocclusion, the misalignment of teeth, also known as a "bad bite.” If needed we will discuss treatment options. Also, we encourage sealants to help prevent tooth decay.

By now nearly all of the 32 permanent teeth are in except for the two most rear: the second and third molar. The very last tooth, the third molar may emerge anywhere from age 17-21.

By age thirteen, your child should be flossing everyday without supervision.

TIP Make sure your child and young adult continues to see us every six months.