Baby's First Teeth

At birth, your baby usually has 20 primary (baby) teeth. As your baby grows, these teeth will be replaced by 32 permanent (adult) teeth. The primary teeth start to appear (erupt) between six months to a year. Usually, the front four teeth are the first to erupt. The rest of the primary teeth continue to erupt until all 20 are in, usually by the age of three. Although temporary, primary teeth are as important to your child's health and appearance as later permanent teeth. Baby teeth help a child learn to chew, speak properly, and "reserve" space in the jaws for the permanent teeth.

Children naturally lose their primary teeth as the permanent teeth below prepare to erupt and push upward. Each permanent tooth moves into the spot previously held by the primary tooth. If a child loses a primary tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, teeth on either side can move into the vacant space. Later when the permanent tooth erupts, there may not be enough space causing crowding and forcing teeth out of alignment. If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, be sure to contact your Dentist or our office at once. A space maintainer may be recommended to preserve the space and possibly avoid future problems.