My Baby's Teeth Are Coming In Out of Order
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about teeth are coming in out of order, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
While there is a typical eruption order (lower central incisors first, then upper central incisors), many babies get teeth in a different sequence, and this is usually perfectly normal. As long as all teeth eventually come in and appear healthy, the order does not matter medically.
Key takeaways
- While there is a typical eruption order (lower central incisors first, then upper central incisors), many babies get teeth in a different sequence, and this is usually perfectly normal. As long as all teeth eventually come in and appear healthy, the order does not matter medically.
- Usually normal when: Teeth are coming in but in a different order than typical.
- Call your doctor if: Teeth are crumbling or breaking.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, while there is a typical eruption order (lower central incisors first, then upper central incisors), many babies get teeth in a different sequence, and this is usually perfectly normal. As long as all teeth eventually come in and appear healthy, the order does not matter medically. At 6-9 months, the typical first teeth are the lower central incisors, but some babies get upper teeth first or lateral teeth before central ones. This is a normal variation and does not indicate any dental problem. It is generally considered normal when teeth are coming in but in a different order than typical. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if teeth are crumbling or breaking.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-9 months
The typical first teeth are the lower central incisors, but some babies get upper teeth first or lateral teeth before central ones. This is a normal variation and does not indicate any dental problem.
9-12 months
Your baby may be getting teeth in an unusual sequence. As long as the teeth appear healthy (white, firm, properly shaped), the order of eruption is not medically significant.
12-18 months
Multiple teeth may be erupting. An unusual order is not concerning. By 18 months, most children have about 8-12 teeth. If teeth are significantly delayed overall, that is more important than the order.
18-36 months
All 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 2.5-3. If your child has all their teeth despite an unusual eruption order, dental development is complete and normal. Missing teeth (fewer than 20) by age 3 should be evaluated.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed teeth are coming in out of order and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if teeth appear discolored, malformed, or very small.
- Mention if significantly fewer teeth than expected for age.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Teeth are coming in but in a different order than typical.
- All teeth appear healthy and well-formed.
- The total number of teeth is appropriate for age.
- Your baby is comfortable and feeding well.
- Teeth appear discolored, malformed, or very small.
- Significantly fewer teeth than expected for age.
- One side has teeth and the other does not.
- Teeth are crumbling or breaking.
- Severe pain or infection around erupting teeth.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice teeth are coming in out of order — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that teeth are coming in but in a different order than typical — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-9 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if teeth are crumbling or breaking.
Related Conditions
My Baby Got Teeth Very Early
While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, some babies teethe as early as 3-4 months, and rarely, babies are born with teeth (natal teeth). Early teething is usually a normal variation and not a medical concern. Natal teeth present at birth may need evaluation as they can be loose and pose a choking risk.
My Baby Has No Teeth After 12 Months
While most babies get their first tooth by 6-10 months, some healthy babies do not get teeth until 12-14 months or even later. Late teething often runs in families and is usually not a medical concern. However, if your baby has no teeth by 18 months, your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric dentist for evaluation.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is teeth are coming in out of order normal?
When should I call the doctor about teeth are coming in out of order?
When is teeth are coming in out of order normal?
What causes teeth are coming in out of order?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about teeth are coming in out of order?
Is teeth are coming in out of order normal at 6-9 months?
Is teeth are coming in out of order normal at 9-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for teeth are coming in out of order?
Does teeth are coming in out of order go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Teeth Are Coming In Out of Order.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed teeth are coming in out of order and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if teeth appear discolored, malformed, or very small.
- Mention if significantly fewer teeth than expected for age.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Teeth appear discolored, malformed, or very small.
- Significantly fewer teeth than expected for age.
- One side has teeth and the other does not.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Teeth are crumbling or breaking.
- Severe pain or infection around erupting teeth.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of teeth are coming in out of order are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if teeth are crumbling or breaking.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Got Teeth Very Early
While most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, some babies teethe as early as 3-4 months, and rarely, babies are born with teeth (natal teeth). Early teething is usually a normal variation and not a medical concern. Natal teeth present at birth may need evaluation as they can be loose and pose a choking risk.
My Baby Has No Teeth After 12 Months
While most babies get their first tooth by 6-10 months, some healthy babies do not get teeth until 12-14 months or even later. Late teething often runs in families and is usually not a medical concern. However, if your baby has no teeth by 18 months, your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric dentist for evaluation.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
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Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
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