The belief that baby teeth do not matter because they fall out anyway is the single most costly misconception in children's dentistry. They hold space, they can hurt, and they can become infected. Primary teeth begin to appear at around six months and are gradually replaced between ages six and twelve, and because they hold space for the adult teeth and guide chewing and speech, decay in a baby tooth is worth treating even though the tooth will eventually be lost.
Roughly when things happen
Timing varies widely between children and variation is usually normal. These are broad patterns rather than a schedule to worry against.
| Stage | Roughly when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| First teeth appear | Around 6–12 months | Lower front teeth usually first |
| Full set of baby teeth | By around age 3 | Twenty teeth in total |
| First dental visit | By the first birthday | Mostly familiarization, not treatment |
| First adult molars | Around age 6 | They arrive behind the baby teeth, not replacing any |
| Baby teeth start loosening | Around age 6 | Front teeth generally first |
| Most baby teeth gone | By around age 12 | Back baby teeth are often the last |
Why decay in baby teeth matters
The common assumption is that it does not matter because they fall out anyway. Baby teeth hold the space that adult teeth need, and losing one early can allow neighbours to drift into that space.
They can also decay to the point of pain and infection, and infection at the root of a baby tooth sits directly above the developing adult tooth. See children's dentistry.
Teething
Uncomfortable, normal, and frequently blamed for things it does not cause.
- Sore gums, dribbling and wanting to chew are typical
- A clean chilled teething ring often helps
- High fever, diarrhea or a rash are not teething: see a physician
- Never rub anything numbing on the gums without professional advice
- Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first one appears
Common questions
Baby Teeth: What Parents Ask: questions people ask
Do baby teeth with cavities need filling?
Often yes, depending on how close the tooth is to falling out naturally and how deep the decay is. Leaving it can mean pain, infection and space loss.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears. Supervise brushing until they have the dexterity to do it properly themselves, which is later than most parents expect.
Is thumb sucking a problem?
It is common in young children and often resolves on its own. Persisting past the age the adult front teeth arrive can affect the bite, so raise it at a check-up.
My child is terrified. What do I do?
Book a familiarization visit with no treatment, keep your own language neutral, and avoid words like hurt or needle. Letting them watch a sibling or you first often helps.
When do baby teeth usually arrive and fall out?
The first teeth appear around 6 to 12 months, usually the lower front teeth. The full set of twenty is there by around age 3. The first adult molars arrive around age 6, behind the baby teeth. Baby teeth start loosening around age 6, and most are gone by around age 12. Timing varies widely, and variation is usually normal.
Why does decay in baby teeth matter?
Baby teeth hold the space that adult teeth need. Losing one early can let neighbours drift into that space. They can also decay to the point of pain and infection. Infection at the root of a baby tooth sits directly above the developing adult tooth. That is why the idea that they fall out anyway is costly.
What is normal teething, and what is not?
Sore gums, dribbling and wanting to chew are typical. A clean chilled teething ring often helps. High fever, diarrhea or a rash are not teething, so see a physician. Never rub anything numbing on the gums without professional advice. Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first one appears.