Most 16-month-olds have between 8 and 12 teeth, though some have a few more or fewer. At this age, your child has likely cut all four central incisors and all four lateral incisors (the front eight teeth), and the first molars are either already in or actively pushing through the gums. Children eventually get 20 baby teeth total, with the full set usually in place by age three.
Which Teeth Are In by 16 Months
Baby teeth follow a fairly predictable sequence, even if the exact timing varies from child to child. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the typical eruption windows look like this:
- Central incisors (bottom): 5 to 8 months
- Central incisors (top): 6 to 10 months
- Lateral incisors (top): 8 to 12 months
- Lateral incisors (bottom): 7 to 10 months
- First molars (top and bottom): 11 to 18 months
- Canines (top and bottom): 16 to 20 months
- Second molars (top and bottom): 20 to 30 months
By 16 months, the eight incisors are almost certainly in. The first molars, those wider flat teeth toward the back, are the big event at this stage. Some 16-month-olds already have all four first molars, giving them 12 teeth. Others are mid-eruption and sitting closer to 8 or 10. The canines (the pointed teeth between the incisors and molars) may just be starting to appear, which could push the count to 14 or even 16 in early teethers.
Why Tooth Counts Vary So Much
The AAPD notes that “many otherwise normal infants do not conform strictly to the stated schedule.” Genetics play the biggest role in timing. If you or your partner were late teethers, your child probably will be too. Premature babies often teethe later when measured by birth date rather than due date. Nutrition and overall health also play a part, but in most cases, a child who seems “behind” is simply on their own timeline.
If your child had no teeth at all by 12 months, that’s generally considered late teething and worth a dental visit. But at 16 months, having 6 teeth instead of 10 is not a concern. The teeth will come.
What First Molars Feel Like for Your Toddler
Sixteen months is prime time for first molars, and these are often harder on kids than the front teeth were. Molars are bigger, with a broad chewing surface that has to push through more gum tissue. You may notice your toddler drooling more than they have in months, chewing aggressively on toys or fingers, and being unusually fussy or irritable, especially around mealtimes and bedtime.
Other common signs include red, swollen gums at the back of the mouth, disrupted sleep, and a temporary dip in appetite. Your child’s temperature may rise slightly during teething, but a true fever (above 100.4°F) is not caused by teething and points to something else. Cold teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and chilled soft foods can help with discomfort.
Feeding a Toddler With Fewer Teeth
Parents sometimes worry that a 16-month-old without many teeth can’t handle solid foods. In practice, toddlers are surprisingly effective chewers even with just their front teeth and gums. Gums are hard, and most soft table foods (banana, steamed vegetables, scrambled eggs, pasta) don’t require molars. Once those first molars do arrive, your child will handle a wider range of textures more easily.
Regardless of tooth count, avoid common choking hazards: whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, uncut hot dogs, and hard candies. Cut round foods into small pieces and supervise all meals and snacks.
Caring for Your Toddler’s Teeth
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, and by 16 months, it should be part of the daily routine. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush sized for toddlers and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. That tiny amount is safe to swallow and effective at protecting enamel. Brush twice a day, especially before bed.
Your child should also have had a first dental visit by now. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling that appointment by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. If you haven’t gone yet, it’s not too late. Early visits are mostly about checking development and getting your child comfortable in the dental chair.