How many teeth does a baby or a child have?
A child has 20 baby teeth; an adult has 32 permanent teeth (including 4 wisdom teeth).
The 20 baby teeth are 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw: 8 incisors, 4 canines and 8 molars (ADA). They usually start to come in around six months of age, although timing varies a lot from one child to another, and all of them are usually in by about age 3.
Baby teeth serve a child for many years, so they need care from the moment the first one appears. Their anatomy differs from that of permanent teeth: thinner enamel, a pulp chamber that is large compared with the size of the tooth, and shorter roots that gradually dissolve before the tooth is replaced.
Teething involves the gradual remodeling of bone and gum that lets the crown of the tooth come through. It can cause temporary discomfort, but in most cases does not need medical treatment. For relief, gently rub the gums with a clean finger or give a firm rubber teething ring (not frozen). Do not use numbing products such as lidocaine or benzocaine for teething pain in babies and toddlers unless a doctor advises it: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns of serious side effects at this age. For fever, refusal to eat or anything unusual, call the pediatrician. Baby teeth usually come in in a typical order:
- 1. Lower front teeth
- 2. Upper front teeth
- 3. First molars
- 4. Canines
- 5. Second molars
Variations in this order do not necessarily mean there is a developmental problem.
Baby teeth do much more than chew food. They hold the space the permanent teeth will need, help speech develop and influence how the jaw grows. Losing a baby tooth too early can let neighboring teeth drift and make the dental arch uneven.
How many permanent teeth do children have after the switch?
By age 12 to 13, most children have 28 permanent teeth, and up to 32 once wisdom teeth come in (see the table). During the "mixed dentition" stage, between about ages 6 and 12, the mouth contains both baby and permanent teeth, which calls for extra attention to brushing and gum care.
28
Permanent teeth at age 12-13 (up to 32 with wisdom teeth)
The roots of baby teeth are gradually dissolved by specialized cells as the permanent tooth moves up beneath them. Any disruption of this timing can cause problems, such as a baby tooth that stays in place too long.
A baby tooth that does not fall out on time sometimes needs to be removed so that the permanent tooth can come in in the right place. This decision is based on a clinical examination and an X-ray.
Baby teeth and permanent teeth by age
| Age | Stage |
|---|---|
| About 6 months | First baby teeth usually start to come in (wide variation between children) |
| About 3 years | All 20 baby teeth are in |
| 6 to 12 years | Baby teeth are replaced; mixed dentition with baby and permanent teeth |
| 11 to 13 years | Permanent second molars come in: about 28 permanent teeth |
| 17 to 21 years | Wisdom teeth, if they come in: up to 32 permanent teeth |
For the adult count, see how many teeth adults have.
Tooth development and the move to permanent teeth
The teeth develop alongside the growth of the face and skull, and the two need to stay in step. Contrary to what many people think, permanent teeth start developing long before they appear in the mouth: the process begins before birth and continues through the first years of life.
Early detection of developmental anomalies, such as congenitally missing teeth (dental agenesis) or extra teeth, allows proper planning and helps prevent later complications.
When abnormal jaw growth is spotted early, interceptive (early) orthodontic treatment can act while the facial bones are still growing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7; see when to see an orthodontist.
When should a child first see a dentist?
The first dental visit is recommended when the first tooth comes in, and no later than the first birthday (AAPD).
The aim of an early visit is prevention, especially of early childhood cavities. The first visit includes an examination of the teeth and soft tissues, a look at feeding and hygiene habits, and personalized advice for parents. A children's dentist adapts the approach to the child's age and stage of development, so the experience stays positive.
Modern children's dentistry puts prevention before repair: topical fluoride, sealants on the molars and dietary advice are effective tools against cavities. According to the CDC, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States, and its effects go beyond the mouth: it can affect a child's quality of life and school performance.
What to know before your child's dental treatment
Planning dental treatment for a child takes several factors into account that do not apply to adults.
01
The approach and the anesthesia
The approach is adapted to the clinical situation, the child's emotional development and ability to cooperate, and the family's preferences. Most treatment is done under local anesthesia; sedation or general anesthesia is considered only when these measures are not enough. At the clinic, treatment is done under local anesthesia, with light oral sedation on prescription when needed; the clinic does not offer nitrous oxide, IV sedation or general anesthesia. The child's medical history, allergies and medicines are reviewed first.
02
X-rays only when useful
Dental X-rays are taken only when the information is expected to change the treatment, at the lowest possible radiation dose.
03
Trust and communication
The "Tell-Show-Do" approach helps the child understand what will happen and get used to the instruments. For children with significant dental anxiety, a gradual approach with short get-to-know-you visits can help. Parents play a key role: avoid passing on your own fears or using frightening words.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Dental care adapted to children in Jerusalem
At Dr Haim Aseriel's dental clinic in Jerusalem, children's care combines the clinical side with attention to the psychological and developmental needs of each age, in a calm setting for young patients.
Every child is different: time is taken to get to know the child, understand the family's concerns and build a treatment plan that takes clinical, functional and practical aspects into account. Consultations can be held in English, and parents receive a written estimate before any treatment. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, open Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00.
How many teeth do children have: frequently asked questions
How many teeth a child has depends on age. Baby teeth start coming in around six months, and all 20 baby teeth are usually in by about age 3. From about age 6 they are gradually replaced by permanent teeth, and by age 12 to 13 most children have 28 permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth, if they come in, appear later and bring the total to 32.
Baby teeth usually come in in a typical order: lower front teeth, upper front teeth, first molars, canines and finally second molars. Variations in this order are common and do not necessarily mean there is a developmental problem.
Teething can cause temporary discomfort but in most cases does not need medical treatment. For relief, gently rub the gums with a clean finger or give a firm rubber teething ring (not frozen). Do not use numbing gels for teething unless a doctor advises it, and call the pediatrician for fever or anything unusual.
Baby teeth usually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth between about ages 6 and 12. The permanent second molars come in around ages 11 to 13, so most children then have 28 permanent teeth; wisdom teeth, if they erupt, usually appear between ages 17 and 21.
A baby tooth that does not fall out on time should be checked by a dentist. Sometimes it needs to be removed so the permanent tooth can come in in the right place. The decision is based on a clinical examination and an X-ray.
Sources
- American Dental Association, Primary Tooth Development, 2012 – View source
- American Dental Association, Permanent Tooth Development, 2012 – View source
- ADA MouthHealthy, Eruption Charts – View source
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Periodicity of Examination, Preventive Dental Services, 2022 – View source
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children, 2024 – View source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oral Health Tips for Children, 2024 – View source
- American Association of Orthodontists, When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist? – View source
