Eruption of Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)
Tooth eruption begins around the age of 6 months and can last until the age of 3 years. During this stage, your child’s gums may be sore and they may also be irritable. You can soothe them by gently rubbing of the gums with a cold wet cloth, the back of a cold spoon, or a clean finger. If necessary, you may use over-the-counter pain medication as directed for the age and weight of your child, such as Acetaminophen/Tylenol or Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin.
The timing and sequence for the eruption of a child’s 20 primary teeth (baby teeth) are as follows:
The first teeth to erupt are the lower and upper central incisors, which erupt between the ages of 6-12 months. The next to erupt are the lateral incisors between 9-16 months, followed by the first molars from 13-19 months. Next, the cuspids (canines) erupt from 16-23 months. Lastly, between 23 and 33 months, the second molars erupt.
Primary Tooth Shedding
Children typically begin shedding their primary teeth at the age of 6 years, starting with the central incisors. The first permanent molars begin to erupt behind the last primary molars at this time as well. This is followed about a year later, around 7-8 years old, by the lateral incisors. The first molars are shed next (9-11 years), closely followed by the lower canines (9-12 years). The upper canines and both upper and lower second molars are shed last (10-12 years).