The transition from a child’s baby teeth to their adult set is a significant developmental milestone. This process typically begins around the age of six and continues over several years. While a general timeline exists, the exact timing of when permanent teeth emerge is highly individual and can vary considerably from one child to the next.
The Typical Eruption Schedule
The emergence of the 32 permanent teeth, which includes four wisdom teeth, follows a relatively predictable sequence, though the age ranges are broad. The first permanent teeth to appear are often the first molars, sometimes called the “six-year molars,” which erupt at the back of the jaw between ages six and seven, behind the last baby teeth. These molars do not replace any primary teeth and mark the beginning of the permanent dentition.
Following the first molars, the front teeth begin to emerge. This starts with the lower central incisors between ages six and seven, and the upper central incisors appearing next, around ages seven to eight. The lateral incisors, positioned on either side of the central ones, follow this pattern, typically erupting between ages seven and nine.
The premolars, which replace the primary molars, usually emerge between ages 10 and 12. The canines, also known as cuspids, appear during this time frame, with the lower canines appearing between ages nine and 10, and the upper canines following between ages 11 and 12. The second molars, sometimes called the “twelve-year molars,” emerge at the very back of the mouth between ages 11 and 13.
Most children will have a full set of 28 permanent teeth by about age 13. The third molars or wisdom teeth appear much later, typically erupting between ages 17 and 21. Girls often experience dental development at a slightly faster pace than boys.
The Sequence of Primary Tooth Shedding
The appearance of permanent teeth is preceded by the process of exfoliation, which is the natural shedding of the 20 primary teeth. This process is initiated when the permanent tooth developing beneath the baby tooth begins its upward movement. The pressure from the permanent successor causes the root of the baby tooth to gradually dissolve, a process called root resorption.
The shedding sequence generally mirrors the order in which the baby teeth originally erupted, beginning around age six. The first primary teeth to fall out are typically the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors soon after, around ages seven to eight. The molars and canines are shed later, usually between the ages of nine and 12. Once the roots are sufficiently resorbed, the primary tooth falls out, making a clean path for the permanent tooth to move into its proper place.
Addressing Common Eruption Concerns
A common occurrence is the appearance of “shark teeth,” where the permanent tooth emerges behind the baby tooth before the primary tooth has fallen out. This often happens with the lower front incisors. The baby tooth may not have been pushed out because the permanent tooth did not erupt directly underneath it.
If the baby tooth is already loose, encouraging the child to wiggle it can help facilitate its natural removal, allowing the tongue’s pressure to guide the permanent tooth into its correct position. However, if the permanent tooth has emerged and the baby tooth remains firmly in place, a dental professional should be consulted to remove the retained primary tooth.
Delayed eruption is often defined as a permanent tooth not appearing within six months of its expected time or not erupting when its corresponding tooth on the opposite side of the mouth has already appeared. A dental X-ray is often necessary to confirm the permanent tooth is present beneath the gums and to determine the reason for the delay. The appearance of minor spacing in a young child’s jaw is often a positive sign, as this natural growth provides the necessary room for the larger permanent teeth to emerge without becoming immediately crowded.