Teething Order and Timeline
Content reviewed against published AAPD, AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines
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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect teething order and timeline, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though the normal range is 4 to 15 months. The typical order begins with the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars. All 20 primary teeth are usually in by age 2.5 to 3 years. Significant variation in timing is normal.
Key takeaways
- Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though the normal range is 4 to 15 months. The typical order begins with the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars. All 20 primary teeth are usually in by age 2.5 to 3 years. Significant variation in timing is normal.
- Usually normal when: Your baby gets their first tooth anywhere between 4 and 15 months of age
- Call your doctor if: Your child is 18 months old with no teeth at all, which may warrant evaluation for conditions affecting tooth development
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Most babies do not have teeth yet. Increased drooling around 2-3 months is a normal developmental change in saliva production and does not necessarily mean teething has started. Some babies may show early teething signs like gum rubbing, but actual tooth eruption before 3 months is uncommon.
3-6 months
The first teeth typically appear between 4 and 7 months. The lower central incisors (bottom front two teeth) usually erupt first, followed by the upper central incisors. Some babies may get their first tooth as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months, and both extremes are within normal range.
6-12 months
This is the most active teething period. After the central incisors, the upper and lower lateral incisors (the teeth next to the front teeth) typically come in between 9 and 13 months. Most babies have 4 to 8 teeth by their first birthday, though some may have more or fewer.
12 months+
The first molars typically appear between 13 and 19 months, canines (the pointy teeth) between 16 and 23 months, and second molars between 23 and 33 months. Molar eruption can be more uncomfortable than incisors due to their larger size. By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby gets their first tooth anywhere between 4 and 15 months of age
- Teeth come in a slightly different order than the standard chart, which is common
- Your baby has fewer teeth than a same-age peer, as there is a wide normal range
- Teething causes mild fussiness, drooling, and desire to chew on things
- Your baby has no teeth by 12 months, though some healthy babies are late teethers
- Teeth appear significantly discolored, malformed, or pitted when they erupt
- Your baby has persistent high fever or diarrhea attributed to teething, as these are not truly caused by teething and may indicate illness
- Your child is 18 months old with no teeth at all, which may warrant evaluation for conditions affecting tooth development
- A newly erupted tooth appears dark, damaged, or the surrounding gum is severely swollen with pus, suggesting infection
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Teething Order and Timeline.
Things to mention
- Your baby has no teeth by 12 months, though some healthy babies are late teethers
- Teeth appear significantly discolored, malformed, or pitted when they erupt
- Your baby has persistent high fever or diarrhea attributed to teething, as these are not truly caused by teething and may indicate illness
Observations to share
- Your baby has no teeth by 12 months, though some healthy babies are late teethers
- Teeth appear significantly discolored, malformed, or pitted when they erupt
- Your baby has persistent high fever or diarrhea attributed to teething, as these are not truly caused by teething and may indicate illness
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is 18 months old with no teeth at all, which may warrant evaluation for conditions affecting tooth development
- A newly erupted tooth appears dark, damaged, or the surrounding gum is severely swollen with pus, suggesting infection
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is teething order and timeline normal?
When should I call the doctor about teething order and timeline?
When is teething order and timeline normal?
What causes teething order and timeline?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about teething order and timeline?
Is teething order and timeline normal at 0-3 months?
Is teething order and timeline normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for teething order and timeline?
Does teething order and timeline go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Eruption Charts. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. AAPD
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums. Mayo Clinic
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Bottom line
Most cases of teething order and timeline are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is 18 months old with no teeth at all, which may warrant evaluation for conditions affecting tooth development.
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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