About Teeth

Primary and Secondary Teeth

Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth. At age 6-8 months, the primary teeth appear; all 20 are in place by age 3.

Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age 6, and except for wisdom teeth, are all present between ages 12 and 14. The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age 17 and on. The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth. This is why wisdom teeth are usually removed.

Your front teeth are called incisors. The sharp “fang-like” teeth are canines. The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth are molars. Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is vital that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic check-ups by a dentist are followed.

Baby Teeth

Timeline measured in months.

illustration of baby teeth, 6-8 months

6 – 8 Months

The lower central incisors erupts.

illustration of baby teeth, 8-10 months

8 – 10 Months

The upper central incisors erupts.

illustration of baby teeth, 10-14 months

10 – 14 Months

The upper lateral incisors and the lower lateral incisors erupts.

illustration of baby teeth, 14-19 months

14 – 19 Months

The first molar and canine erupts. The teeth in the upper jaw usually erupt before the teeth in the lower jaw.

illustration of baby teeth,23-33 months

23 – 33 Months

The second molars erupt. Usually in the lower jaw first.

Permanent Teeth

Timeline measured in years.

illustration of permanent teeth, 6-7 years

6 – 7 Years

The upper and lower first molars erupt. The upper and lower central incisors are shed, and the lower central incisors erupt.

illustration of permanent teeth, 7-8 years

7 – 8 Years

The upper and lower lateral incisors are shed, and the upper central and lower lateral incisors erupt.

illustration of permanent teeth, 8-9 years

8 – 9 Years

The upper first molars are shed, and the upper lateral incisors erupt.

illustration of permanent teeth, 9-10 years

9 – 10 Years

The lower first molars and upper and lower canines are shed. The lower canines erupt.

illustration of permanent teeth, 10-12 years

10 – 12 Years

All four second baby molars are shed. The upper canines erupt, as well as upper and lower first and second premolars.

illustration of permanent teeth, 12-13 years

12 – 13 Years

The four second molars erupts.

illustration of permanent teeth, 17-21 years

17 – 21 Years

The four third molars (wisdom teeth) erupts.

Ready to see Dr. Minasyan?

Schedule An Appointment