As infants turn into toddlers and young children, they start sprouting new teeth. But how many teeth do kids have at various ages? Understanding the teething timeline helps parents know what to expect as their child’s smile develops.

Baby Teething Stages

Babies are born toothless. Their first teeth start emerging around 6 months of age. Here are the teething stages for baby teeth:

6-12 months

• Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though it can range from 3-12 months.
• The first teeth are usually the lower central incisors.
• By 12 months, most infants have 8 teeth (4 upper, 4 lower).

13-18 months

• Upper central incisors come in followed by lateral incisors.
• First molars start coming through, which may be painful.
• By 18 months, there are typically 16 teeth.

19-24 months

• Upper canines (eyeteeth) and lower canines erupt.
• Second molars start coming in around age 2.
• Typically 20 teeth by 24 months.

25-36 months

• Second molars finish coming in.
• All 20 primary (baby) teeth have usually emerged by age 3.

So how many teeth do kids have around age 2-3? The full set of 20 baby teeth!

Permanent Teeth Timeline

Kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6 as the permanent teeth emerge. Here’s an overview of when permanent teeth come in:

6-7 years

• The first permanent molars come through behind the last baby molars.
• Lower central incisors start loosening and falling out.
• Kids have a mix of primary and permanent teeth.

8-9 years

• Upper and lower central incisors get replaced by permanent ones.
• More baby teeth fall out as permanent teeth push through.

10-12 years

• All permanent incisors and first molars are typically in.
• Baby canines, molars, and second molars start falling out.
• Premolars take their place.

13-15 years

• Most permanent teeth are through, except wisdom teeth.
• Second molars finish coming in around age 12.
• Teens start getting third molars (wisdom teeth).

So how many teeth do kids have around age 12? Their full set of 28 permanent teeth, minus the third molars that erupt later!

Tooth Count Summary

Here is an overview of the number of teeth kids have at different ages:

• Birth to 6 months: 0 teeth
• 6-12 months: 0-8 teeth
• 1 year: 8 teeth
• 18 months: 16 teeth
• 2 years: 20 teeth
• 3 years: 20 baby teeth
• 6 years: Mix of 20 baby and permanent teeth
• 9 years: Mix of permanent and baby teeth
• 12 years: 28 permanent teeth, no wisdom teeth yet
• Adult: 32 permanent teeth (28-32 with wisdom teeth)

The timing of teeth coming in can vary. But these averages give a general idea of how many teeth kids have as they grow. Tracking your child’s tooth emergence stages helps detect any dental development issues. With proper dental care, kids can build healthy smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my baby with teething pain?

Gently massaging gums, using teething rings, giving pain relief medicine, or applying numbing gel can help soothe teething babies. Cool washcloths and solid teething toys can be comforting too.

What if my child’s teeth come in later than normal?

Some delay is normal but if teeth are severely late, see a pediatric dentist. Later emergence could indicate problems like endocrine disorders, malnutrition, genetic factors or other issues.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

As soon as the first tooth emerges, start gently wiping it clean daily with water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Begin using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste around 12-24 months old.

What causes kids to lose their baby teeth early?

Premature tooth loss can be due to injury, cavities, crowding, genetics, or excessive biting or sucking. See a dentist to determine the cause. Proper dental hygiene and protection can help prevent early tooth loss.

Is it normal for permanent teeth to come in crooked?

It’s common for permanent teeth to initially erupt out of alignment. If teeth remain crooked or crowded, see an orthodontist around age 7-8 to discuss braces or other treatments to straighten them. Check out more at our website for kids.