How many milk teeth, and the general pattern
A child has 20 milk teeth: 10 on top and 10 below. In each half of each jaw there are two incisors, one canine and two molars. They are replaced by permanent teeth, and an adult has up to 32, including the wisdom teeth.
The teeth come in roughly from the front to the back, and are shed in much the same order. The ages below are typical ranges, not deadlines. Normal variation is wide, and it commonly runs in families. Girls are often a little ahead of boys.
A tooth coming a few months early or late is rarely a concern. What matters is the overall pattern and whether a tooth is stuck, crooked or painful.
When milk teeth come in: typical eruption order
Lower central incisors (the two front teeth below): about 6 to 10 months.
Upper central incisors: about 8 to 12 months. Upper lateral incisors (the teeth beside them): about 9 to 13 months. Lower lateral incisors: about 10 to 16 months.
First molars: about 13 to 19 months. Canines (the pointed teeth): about 16 to 23 months.
Second molars, the last milk teeth: about 23 to 33 months. By about three years most children have all 20. These are typical ranges with normal variation, and a baby with a first tooth at four or at thirteen months is still within the range seen in healthy children. For what the early months feel like, see teething symptoms.
When milk teeth fall out: typical shedding order
Central incisors (the front teeth): about 6 to 7 years. Lateral incisors: about 7 to 8 years.
First molars: about 9 to 11 years. Canines: about 9 to 12 years. Second molars: about 10 to 12 years.
The first permanent molars come through at about six years behind the last milk molars. They do not replace any milk tooth, so parents often miss them. They matter because they set the bite for the rest of life, and they are the teeth most often protected with pit and fissure sealants.
Again these are typical ranges. Shedding a year early or late is common, and the order inside a group can swap without it meaning anything.
When a child should be checked
A milk tooth lost very early, for example after decay or injury, before about age five, because the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap. A space maintainer may be advised. See cavities in milk teeth for why early loss is worth avoiding.
A permanent tooth coming through behind a milk tooth that has not loosened, which looks like a double row of teeth. This is common in the lower front teeth. If the milk tooth is not loose within a few weeks to a couple of months, the dentist may remove it.
No sign of a first milk tooth by about 15 months, or no sign of any shedding by about eight years. Also check a tooth that has become dark, painful or swollen at any age.
A first check around age seven is also when an orthodontic look is advised, as covered in the best age for braces.
Looking after a loose tooth
Let a loose tooth come out on its own, with gentle wiggling with a clean tongue or finger. Do not pull one that is still firmly in, because the root may not have dissolved and pulling can leave part behind or hurt the gum.
A little bleeding when it falls is normal and stops with a minute of pressure on a clean, damp cloth. Keep brushing around the gap gently.
A tooth that is knocked out by an injury before its time is different. A knocked-out milk tooth should not be put back in the socket. See a dentist the same day. The full picture of children's care is on our kids dentistry page.
Common questions
At what age do children start losing milk teeth?
Usually at about six to seven years, starting with the lower front teeth. Some children begin at five and others at eight, and both can be normal. The permanent first molars also come through at about six, behind the last milk teeth.
How many milk teeth does a child have?
Twenty: ten on the top and ten on the bottom. In each half of each jaw there are two incisors, one canine and two molars. Most children have all of them by about three years of age.
Which milk tooth falls out last?
The second milk molars, at the back, usually fall at about 10 to 12 years. The canines are often shed at much the same time. Because these teeth stay so long, decay in them needs treating rather than waiting for them to fall.
Is it normal for a permanent tooth to come in behind a milk tooth?
Yes, especially behind the lower front teeth, where it is often called shark teeth. The milk tooth usually loosens and falls as the tongue pushes it. If it is still firm after a couple of months, the dentist can remove it.
What if my child's teeth are late in coming or falling?
A delay of a year either way is often normal and runs in families. Mention it to a dentist if there are no teeth by about 15 months, no shedding by about eight years, or one side is far ahead of the other. An X-ray may be advised.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.