Most 19-month-olds have between 12 and 16 teeth, though anywhere from 8 to 16 falls within the normal range. The exact number depends on when your child started teething and how quickly new teeth have followed, which varies quite a bit from one toddler to the next.
What to Expect at 19 Months
By 19 months, most children have all eight incisors (the four front teeth on top and four on the bottom) plus some or all of their first molars. According to the American Dental Association’s eruption chart, the upper first molars come in between 13 and 19 months, and the lower first molars between 14 and 18 months. That means your 19-month-old may have both sets of first molars already, or they could still be working on them right now.
The upper canines (the pointed teeth between the incisors and molars) typically appear between 16 and 22 months, and the lower canines between 17 and 23 months. So at 19 months, some kids will have one or two canines poking through while others won’t see them for a few more months. A child on the earlier end of the timeline could have 16 teeth at this age. A child on the later end might still be sitting at 10 or 12, and that’s perfectly fine.
The Order Baby Teeth Come In
Baby teeth follow a fairly predictable sequence, even though the timing varies. The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) arrive first, usually between 6 and 10 months. The upper central incisors follow at 8 to 12 months, then the lateral incisors fill in on either side. After the incisors, the first molars come in, then the canines, and finally the second molars, which don’t usually appear until after age 2. Children end up with 20 primary teeth total once the full set is in, typically by around age 3.
At 19 months, your child is in the middle of this process. The front teeth are well established, the first molars are arriving or already in place, and the canines are next up. This is one of the more active teething periods because molars and canines are larger, tougher teeth to cut through.
Why Some Toddlers Have Fewer Teeth
Genetics is the biggest factor in teething pace. If you or your partner were late teethers, your child likely will be too. Premature birth can also shift the timeline, since tooth development tracks more closely with gestational age than calendar age. Some medical conditions and nutritional deficiencies can delay eruption, but these are uncommon.
A child who doesn’t have any teeth by 9 months warrants a conversation with a pediatrician or dentist. But at 19 months, having fewer teeth than a same-age peer is rarely a sign of a problem. If your toddler has at least their front teeth and is otherwise growing well, the remaining teeth will almost certainly show up on their own schedule.
Signs New Teeth Are Coming
If your 19-month-old is fussy, drooling more than usual, or chewing on everything in sight, there’s a good chance new teeth are on the way. Molar and canine eruption tends to be more uncomfortable than the front teeth because of their size. You may notice red, swollen gums where the tooth is about to break through.
Other common signs include irritability, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and a strong urge to bite or gnaw on hard objects. A slight increase in temperature can happen during teething, but a true fever (above 100.4°F) is not caused by teething and points to something else going on.
Caring for Your Toddler’s Teeth
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, if you haven’t already. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, twice a day, until your child turns 3. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for toddlers works best. At 19 months, your child can’t brush effectively on their own, so you’ll be doing most of the work.
Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the ADA recommend that children have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday. If your 19-month-old hasn’t been to the dentist yet, it’s a good time to schedule that first appointment. These early visits are brief and focus on checking that teeth are developing normally and that the gums look healthy.
Avoid letting your toddler fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, since the sugars can pool around the teeth and cause decay. Water is fine. If your child uses a sippy cup during the day, try to limit sugary drinks to mealtimes rather than letting them sip throughout the day.