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Deciduous teeth are the first set of teeth to erupt in the mouth. They eventually fall out, and permanent teeth replace them. They are also known as primary or baby teeth because they typically erupt between 6 months and 3 years of age.
While they might seem unimportant, deciduous teeth help children learn how to chew, smile, and speak. They also create a pathway for permanent teeth to erupt.
Everyone develops differently. But baby teeth often erupt at around 6 months and start to fall out around age 6.
Not all baby teeth erupt or fall out at the same time. Females also tend to have their baby teeth erupt sooner than males.
Here's a table for reference:
| Tooth Type | Lower Teeth Eruption | Lower Teeth Falling Out | Upper Teeth Eruption | Upper Teeth Falling Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Incisor | 6 to 10 months | 6 to 7 years | 8 to 12 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Lateral Incisor | 10 to 16 months | 7 to 8 years | 9 to 13 months | 7 to 8 years |
| First Molar | 14 to 18 months | 9 to 11 years | 13 to 19 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Canine Teeth | 17 to 23 months | 9 to 12 years | 16 to 22 months | 10 to 12 years |
| Second Molar | 23 to 31 months | 10 to 12 years | 25 to 33 months | 10 to 12 years |
Care for baby teeth varies by age and stage of development.
For infants, gently clean the gums using a soft, wet cloth at least once daily. Once a child’s first baby teeth erupt, brush their teeth twice daily. Use a rice amount of fluoridated toothpaste on a small-headed, soft-bristled toothbrush.
If babies are uncomfortable when their deciduous teeth erupt, rub a cool spoon or cloth on their gums or give them a clean, frozen teething ring.
For children ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth. An adult should always help children brush their teeth because they cannot do so effectively on their own.
It’s best to take infants for a pediatric dental check-up when their first baby tooth appears and every 6 months. If a baby develops pain, see a general or pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
You can rinse the affected area with salt water if the gums are irritated as the baby teeth erupt or fall out. You can also apply a cold compress to the area and give them Children’s Tylenol.
Some permanent teeth may erupt around 6 to 7 years of age.
Common timelines for the eruption of permanent teeth are:
Practicing good oral hygiene is crucial to maintain good oral and overall health. This involves:
Compared to permanent teeth, deciduous teeth are rounder and whiter. There are also only 20 deciduous teeth but 32 permanent teeth.
As the permanent teeth develop under the deciduous teeth, they grow upwards and resorb, or eat away, the tooth roots of the baby teeth. As the deciduous teeth roots resorb with time, they become loose and eventually fall out.
While baby teeth are meant to fall out at certain ages, sometimes they do not fall out on their own. This can cause several complications, such as:
If a child retains a baby tooth, a dentist may extract or recontour it, so it does not interfere with the bite.
Deciduous teeth, or baby teeth, are the first teeth to develop. For most children, baby teeth emerge around 6 months and fall out around 6 years.
Baby teeth help children learn to eat and talk properly. Deciduous teeth also lay the foundation for permanent teeth to erupt and form properly.
Talk to a dentist or doctor if a child’s baby teeth do not erupt properly or if they do not eventually fall out. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if a baby’s teeth or gums appear infected.
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