The teething process
When will my child's teeth appear?
| Usual order that baby teeth appear | Average time baby teeth appear |
|---|---|
| First tooth | 6 to 7 months |
| Four upper and lower front teeth (incisors) | 8 to 12 months |
| First molars | 10 to 14 months |
| Canine teeth | 16 to 20 months |
| Second molars | 24 to 30 months |
Most children will get their first tooth around 6 months of age, but it can be as early as 3 months or as late as a year. Teeth then continue to appear until children are about three years old. Usually, by the time they are 12 months old, children will have the four upper and lower front teeth. If teeth haven’t appeared by 12 months, parents should visit their dentist for advice.
Teeth appear either individually or in pairs. After the front teeth, the first molars push through, followed by the four pointed canines and finally the two-year molars. You can expect twenty ‘milk’ or ‘baby’ teeth by your child’s third birthday.
There is no link between when a child cuts their first tooth and physical or mental ability, but girls often grow teeth earlier than boys and teething patterns also tend to be hereditary.
Why is teething painful?
Some children are unaffected by teething, however for many it can be a painful process. As the roots of the teeth grow, they push the edges of the teeth through the gums. The most painful teeth to push through are the molars. They are big and blunt and come through slowly.
