Every child's timing is a little different, but knowing the usual pattern helps parents tell what is normal from what needs a check.
When milk teeth come in
| Teeth | Usual age |
|---|---|
| Lower front teeth | 6–10 months |
| Upper front teeth | 8–12 months |
| Side front teeth | 9–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines | 16–23 months |
| Second molars | 23–33 months |
By about three years, most children have all 20 milk teeth. A few months earlier or later than this is common and usually not a concern.
Teething
Drooling, chewing on objects, irritability and swollen gums are common. Clean, chilled (not frozen) teething rings and gently rubbing the gum with a clean finger help. Teething does not usually cause high fever — a high temperature should be checked by a doctor.
When milk teeth fall out
| Teeth | Usual age |
|---|---|
| Front teeth | 6–8 years |
| Side front teeth | 7–9 years |
| First molars | 9–11 years |
| Canines | 9–12 years |
| Second molars | 10–12 years |
The first adult molars also come in around age six, behind the last milk teeth — without any milk tooth falling out first. Parents often mistake them for milk teeth; they are permanent and need careful brushing.
Signs to get checked
- No teeth by around 18 months
- An adult tooth coming in behind a milk tooth that has not loosened ("shark teeth") — often resolves, but worth a look if the milk tooth stays firm for weeks
- A milk tooth lost early through decay or injury
- Dark, decayed or broken teeth
- Swelling on the gum
- Teeth that look very crowded as adult teeth appear — an orthodontic check around age seven is sensible
Caring for teeth at each stage
- From the first tooth: wipe or brush twice daily with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- From age three: a pea-sized amount; supervise brushing until about eight.
- First dental visit: by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth. See when a child should first see a dentist.
- Avoid putting a baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
Lifedent's pediatric dentist sees children from their first teeth onwards — pediatric dentistry in Rajkot.
Common questions
Should I pull a wobbly milk tooth? Let it come out naturally or with gentle wiggling by the child. A tooth that is stubborn for weeks while the adult tooth is visible should be checked.
Is it normal for adult teeth to look yellower? Yes. Adult teeth are naturally a little darker than milk teeth.
Do gaps between milk teeth matter? Gaps are good — they make room for the larger adult teeth.
Book a child's check-up at Lifedent, Rajkot.