Tooth Eruption

Baby Teeth Eruption Chart & Timeline (Peoria, AZ)

Baby teeth usually start erupting around 6 months, beginning with the two lower front teeth, and most children have all 20 primary teeth by about age 2½ - 3. Permanent teeth begin arriving around age 6. Every child is a little different - order and timing vary.

Watching your child’s smile fill in, tooth by tooth, is one of the sweetest parts of the early years. At Kidz-R-Kool Pediatric Dentistry, we help Peoria families understand what to expect at each stage - so you know what’s normal, how to soothe sore gums, and when to give us a call. Here’s a friendly guide to baby teeth eruption, complete with a handy timeline.

Teething in Infants

The first baby teeth usually appear around 6 to 8 months, starting with the two lower front teeth (central incisors), followed by the upper front teeth. The rest come in gradually, often in pairs, and most children have all 20 primary (baby) teeth by about age 2½ to 3. A helpful rule of thumb: roughly four new teeth arrive about every six months.

As teeth push through, your baby’s gums may feel sore or tender. To soothe teething discomfort, you can:

• Gently rub the gums with a clean finger
• Offer a cool (not frozen) teething ring or a small chilled spoon
• Use a clean, damp washcloth

If your little one stays uncomfortable or unusually fussy, give us a call.

Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline

General ranges - your child’s timing may vary.

When Do Permanent Teeth Come In?

Permanent teeth usually begin erupting around age 6, starting with the first molars and the lower central incisors. The process continues through the teen years, with the last teeth typically arriving by about age 21. During the “mixed” phase - when your child has both baby and adult teeth - smiles can look a little uneven. That’s completely normal.

What Are Impacted Teeth?

Sometimes a permanent tooth doesn’t emerge through the gum as expected - this is called an impacted tooth. It can cause discomfort and, occasionally, complications like cysts or infection. If a tooth seems overdue or your child has pain or swelling, we’ll evaluate it with an exam and imaging.

Why Baby Teeth Matter

Even though they’re temporary, baby teeth do essential work: they help your child chew and eat well, support clear speech, hold space so permanent teeth come in straight, and give your child a confident smile. Keeping them healthy supports the healthy development of the permanent teeth beneath them - which is why good brushing and flossing and regular checkups matter from the very start.