Baby teeth order: when teeth come in and fall out
Learn the typical sequence and age ranges for baby teeth eruption and loss. Wide variation is normal—here's when to check with your dentist.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — July 21, 2026
Baby teeth eruption: the typical timeline
Baby teeth (also called primary or deciduous teeth) begin erupting around 6 months of age, though some children start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The full set of 20 baby teeth usually appears by age 3, but the exact timing varies widely from child to child.
The lower front teeth (central incisors) typically come in first, usually between 6 and 10 months of age. The upper front teeth follow a few months later. From there, teeth continue to erupt in a general back-and-forth pattern—more lower teeth, then more upper teeth—gradually filling in the sides and back of the mouth.
By around 12 to 15 months, most children have several teeth. By age 2, many have most of their baby teeth, and by age 3, the full set is usually present. However, children who reach age 3 with fewer teeth should still be evaluated by a dentist at their regular checkup.
When baby teeth fall out
Baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth. This process mirrors eruption roughly—lower front teeth typically fall out first, followed by upper front teeth, and then teeth toward the back. Most children have lost all 20 baby teeth by age 12 or 13, though the timeline can stretch into the early teenage years for some children.
Loosening happens gradually as adult teeth grow beneath and the roots of baby teeth dissolve naturally. A loose tooth may take weeks to fall out, and that’s normal.
When to ask your dentist
Check in with your dentist if:
- Your child has no teeth by around 18 months. While late eruption is often normal, your dentist can assess whether further evaluation is needed.
- A baby tooth falls out very early (before age 4 or 5), especially if it was knocked out by injury. Losing a baby tooth early may affect spacing for adult teeth, and your dentist may recommend monitoring or a spacer appliance.
- A tooth is lost to trauma or decay rather than natural loosening. Your dentist can check for any complications and plan for the permanent tooth’s eruption.
- You notice significant gaps in the eruption or loss pattern—for example, upper teeth falling out while lower baby teeth haven’t loosened yet. Some variation is normal, but your dentist can tell if anything needs attention.
- A new tooth is erupting behind a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out yet (called “shark teeth”). See our shark teeth guide for details on when this requires intervention.
Variation is normal
Every child’s timeline is unique. Genetics, overall health, and development all play a role. A child who erupts teeth early or late, or whose teeth fall out in a slightly different order, is usually developing normally. Keeping regular dental checkups helps your dentist track your child’s pattern and flag anything that might need attention.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s tooth development is on track, bring it up at their next visit—or ask for an appointment if you have concerns. Your MediMouth dentist can review your child’s mouth, compare the pattern to standard timelines, and advise you on what to watch for.
How MediMouth helps
Our MediMouth network dentists see children from infancy through the teen years and can answer questions about baby teeth timing, explain what’s normal variation, and watch for any eruption or loss patterns that need attention. Find a pediatric-friendly dentist near you through MediMouth to keep your child’s smile on track.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal if my child's teeth come in later than other kids?
Yes. Baby teeth erupt over a wide range of ages, and later eruption is usually normal variation. If your child has no teeth by around 18 months, mention it at their next dental visit so your dentist can assess their development.
Should baby teeth fall out in the same order they came in?
Roughly, yes—but not always exactly. Lower front teeth typically come in first and usually fall out first, but individual variation is common. If you notice an unusual pattern or a tooth is missing when others are falling out, your dentist can evaluate it.
What if a baby tooth hasn't fallen out but a new tooth is growing behind it?
This 'shark teeth' situation is common and usually resolves on its own. See our guide on shark teeth for signs to watch and when to ask your dentist.