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When Do Permanent Teeth Come In?

If your kiddo has already lost a few teeth, you’re probably familiar with that cute gap-toothed grin of early childhood. But how long will your child keep their baby teeth – and when do permanent teeth come in? Learn more about your child’s dental health as they lose their baby teeth and develop their permanent smile.

When Do Permanent Teeth Come In?

The Purpose of Baby Teeth

Before we develop our permanent teeth, we develop baby teeth, also known as “primary teeth.” You can expect to see your child’s first teeth coming in when they reach six months of age, with the final baby teeth arriving around age two or three. We’re born with 20 primary teeth, which are eventually all replaced by 32 adult teeth. Although they don’t last long, baby teeth have two important jobs. They help children chew food, and they also hold space in the jaw for the eventual permanent teeth.

When Will My Child Start Losing Teeth?

Is your child eager for a visit from the Tooth Fairy? Typically, the first teeth to erupt are also the first to come loose. So, if your child developed a front tooth around six months of age, they’ll likely lose that tooth first. Keep in mind that most children will start losing teeth around the age of six. From that point, you can expect your child to systematically lose their four central incisors (the two front teeth on both the top and bottom), four lateral incisors, four canine teeth, and eight molars.

When Do the Last Permanent Teeth Come In?

Your child can expect to have most or all of their permanent teeth by age 12 or 13. The exception is the arrival of wisdom teeth, which are also known as “third molars.” These teeth may never actually erupt; however, if they do, it usually happens by the time your child turns 21. If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, you know that these teeth aren’t needed for chewing. They are also difficult to clean and can easily become impacted, which is why many dentists recommend their removal.

Helping Kids Care for Teeth

Your child’s baby teeth may be temporary, but they do serve an important purpose. To keep your little one’s mouth healthy, find a pediatric dentist you can trust. From there, make sure your child brushes their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. For kids younger than three, use a tiny amount of toothpaste – no larger than a grain of rice. For kids three years and older, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. To care for your newborn’s mouth, just wipe their gums with a wet cloth. In addition to proper brushing, you’ll want to ensure your child avoids excessive amounts of sugar, which can create cavities.

So, when do permanent teeth come in? Most children will have all of their permanent teeth by the age of 12 or 13. Before your child’s permanent teeth arrive, make sure to instruct them on good dental care to ensure they’re ready to care for their adult teeth. Additionally, you should make sure to foster a relationship with a local dentist who can see your child through losing all of their baby teeth and developing a beautiful adult smile.

(04/28/2023)
by Wilkinson Dental

More Information: https://www.wilkdental.com/when-do-permanent-teeth-come-in/

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