Tooth Eruption Sequence and Fall Out: What You Need to Know

Our babies are here. Soon, they will start having baby teeth, and after some years, these teeth will fall out and get replaced with permanent teeth. As parents and guardians, we take care of our kids, which is why we should understand the teething process because it's an important stage in the growth and development of a kid. Read through, and we will tell you about the tooth eruption sequence and the eventual fallout. 
But first, how many types of teeth do we have? 

Dentist checking a young girl's teeth - concept of tooth eruption sequence in children.

Types of Teeth

There are four different types of teeth:

  • Incisors - These are the front teeth between the upper and the lower jaw. The function of these teeth is to cut food.
  • Canines - These teeth are easily recognizable due to their pointy end. The primary function of the canines is to tear food.
  • Premolars - Their major attribute is that they have flat surfaces and are used for crushing food.
  • Molars - They appear pretty similar to the premolars, but they are longer. In addition, they are at the back of the mouth and are used to grind foods. 

Now that we have a better understanding on the types of teeth and how they work together, let's move to the eruption sequence.

Tooth Eruption Sequence

The tooth eruption sequence in kids can be challenging. With a proper understanding of the teething sequence , some parents will understand what to do with their kids when that time comes. However, we will explain and keep you knowledgeable.


Tooth eruption is that moment when a tooth breaks the gum line. In major settings, teeth eruption is also referred to as teething. The beauty of teething is that it can be different from child to child, but the order of the tooth development is consistent. 


For example, o ne child can have their first tooth after four months, while another may get theirs at 13 months. However, the sequence of the types of teeth erupting will be similar. 

Falling Out of Baby Teeth

A child will have approximately 20 baby teeth. Naturally, these teeth will eventually fall out and get replaced by permanent teeth. The falling out of these teeth will start when the roots start dissolving and are then forced out by the adult teeth. At the age timeline, children will start losing baby teeth at the age of 5 years until all of them have fallen off. Notably, as a kid that started teething early, they will also start losing their teeth early.
Let's check the  timeline :

  • Incisors: emerging after 8-13 months and falls out after 6-8 years
  • Canines: appear after 16-22 months and fall out after 10-12 years
  •  Molars and premolars: occur after 24-33 months and fall out after 10-12 years 

Why Do We Have Baby Teeth?

Every adult has primary teeth, and then there are permanent teeth. But why do we have baby teeth? The answer is simple, yet we can't ignore it. Some of us don't realize the role played by baby teeth, but they play an important role in our lives:

  • They preserve the space for the permanent teeth
  • They give the face its shape
  • Importantly, they help in speech development 

What You Should Know About the Teething Sequence

As a parent or a guardian, there are basic things that you should know about your child's teething sequence. Such information is helpful because it will help you eliminate unnecessary panic during that time. 
Here are a few of the important things to remember about the teething sequence:

  • After a period of 6 months, you should expect that four teeth are erupting.
  • If you have a girl, they will start teething before your boy. So don't panic.
  • The lower teeth will flash first, and then later, the upper teeth will come out.
  • Baby teeth are small and whiter.
  • You should expect that all the primary teeth have erupted at age 3.
  • Get a good pediatric dentist for more consultation.

Find the Right Pediatric Dentist for You & Your Family

The tooth eruption sequence is very important for children, but we should keep informed about it as parents and guardians and know the processes to help our kids get through that stage. However, if you have a question or need help, you can contact us at Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry and make your next appointment. We will be ready to listen and help you!

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