Children’s dental development
Baby and permanent teeth eruption: a practical guide for parents
Children develop at different rates. The order in which teeth appear is usually more useful than comparing one exact date, and a variation of several months can still be normal. Regular dental checks help distinguish normal variation from decay, crowding or an eruption problem.
When do baby teeth appear?
The first primary teeth often erupt at around six months, commonly the lower front teeth, but earlier or later eruption can be normal. Primary incisors are generally followed by first molars, canines and second molars. By around three years, many children have all 20 primary teeth.
Teething may cause local gum tenderness, drooling and a desire to chew. High fever, severe diarrhoea or a very unwell child should not simply be attributed to teething; contact the child’s doctor.
From baby teeth to permanent teeth
The mixed-dentition phase often begins at about six years. Permanent first molars may erupt behind the last baby molars without replacing a baby tooth, while lower front teeth often begin to loosen around the same period.
Between roughly six and twelve years, primary teeth are progressively replaced. Timing differs by child and tooth. The dentist looks at symmetry, available space, bite development and whether the permanent tooth is following an expected path.
How parents can protect erupting teeth
Brush twice a day with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervise until the child can clean effectively. Newly erupted permanent molars have deep grooves and need careful brushing even though they are far back in the mouth.
Keep sugary drinks and frequent snacks limited, encourage water, and arrange the first dental visit early so prevention feels familiar rather than urgent.
When should delayed or unusual eruption be checked?
Book an examination if one side erupts and the matching tooth does not follow, a baby tooth is retained much longer than its counterpart, a permanent tooth appears in an unusual position, there is pain or swelling, or you are concerned about space and bite development.
If orthodontic assessment is appropriate, OrthoDental offers specialist planning with clear aligners. Fixed braces are not offered.
Questions patients ask
Frequently asked questions
Is late teething always a problem?
No. Healthy children vary considerably. The pattern, symmetry, family history and the child’s general development help the dentist decide whether investigation is needed.
When should brushing begin?
As soon as the first tooth erupts. Use a small soft brush and an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste, following the child’s dentist’s advice.
Does OrthoDental offer fixed braces for children?
No. OrthoDental provides Invisalign and Shine clear-aligner treatment where suitable, with orthodontic cases reviewed by Gordana Čižmek.
Clinical sources
This article translates and expands the Slovenian OrthoDental source article and was checked against the following patient guidance:
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Have the problem assessed in person
Tell us what you have noticed and we will help you choose the appropriate examination, clinician and location.
Article author
Gordana Čižmek
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