Wondering how many teeth does a child have by the time they’re grinning with a full set? You’re not alone! Kids go through an exciting dental growth journey from baby teeth to permanent molars. As a parent, you can stay one step ahead of your child’s oral health just by understanding this journey and what you might experience.
Kids typically have 20 baby teeth, emerging around 6 months old and falling out between 6 and 13. Eventually, those are replaced with 32 permanent teeth as your child grows into a toothy teenager.
To help you keep an eye on your child’s tooth eruptions and check to see if they fall out on schedule, it’s essential to visit a pediatric dentist beginning at 6 months old. Why? Because that’s when their tiny chompers start to appear.
A pediatric dentist monitors tooth development, spots cavities early, and offers preventative care benefits that keep your child’s smile bright and healthy.
Do Babies Have Teeth Under Their Gums at Birth?
Yes! In most cases, babies are born with all of their primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) nestled just under their gums. These teeth slowly make their way to the surface during the teething phase, typically starting around six months old.
In rarer cases, a baby might be born without some or all of these teeth beneath the gumline. This condition is known as Hypodontia, a type of dental agenesis where one to six teeth fail to develop. Causes may include genetic factors or developmental conditions.
Treatment options for Hypodontia can include orthodontics, bridges, implants, or even dentures far later on in life, depending on the severity.
By age 3, most kids should have all 20 of their baby teeth in place, ready to help with biting, chewing, and flashing dimple-flashing, adorable smiles.
How Many Baby Teeth Do Humans Have?
You might be asking, how many baby teeth do humans have? The answer is 20!
These are known as primary or deciduous teeth, and they’re crucial for helping children speak, eat, and hold space for their permanent teeth.
There are 10 teeth on the top and 10 on the bottom, and they usually erupt in the same order across all children.
Upper Teeth
- Central Incisor: Erupts between 8-12 months and falls out between 6-7 years.
- Lateral Incisor: Erupts between 9-13 months and falls out between 7-8 years.
- Canine (Cuspid): Erupts between 16-22 months and falls out between 10-12 years.
- First Molar: Erupts between 13 -19 months and falls out between 9-11 years.
- Second Molar: Erupts between 25-33 months and falls out between 10-12 years.
Lower Teeth
- Central Incisor: Erupts between 6-10 months and falls out between 6-7 years.
- Lateral Incisor: Erupts between 10-16 months and falls out between 7-8 years.
- Canine (Cuspid): Erupts between 17-23 months and falls out between 9-12 years.
- First Molar: Erupts between 14-18 months and falls out between 9-11 years.
- Second Molar: Erupts between 23-31 months and falls out between 10-12 years.
When Do Kids Get Their Permanent Teeth?
Most children begin to get their permanent teeth between ages 6 and 7. . By age 13, they will likely have 28 of them, with the final four wisdom teeth usually appearing in their late teens to early twenties.
So, how many teeth does a 10-year-old have? Most 10-year-olds should have a mix of primary and permanent teeth, around 24 to 26, depending on their tooth loss and eruption schedule.
By the age of 25, the average adult has 32 permanent teeth if their wisdom teeth don’t need removal.
What Are Permanent Teeth?
Permanent teeth are the second set of teeth that replace baby teeth. These teeth are built to last a lifetime.
Because children’s jaws and skulls grow over time, permanent teeth are larger, stronger, and more durable than baby teeth. Their enamel is thicker, offering better protection against cavities.
Types of Permanent Teeth
- 8 incisors – used for cutting food
- 4 canines – used for tearing food
- 8 premolars – used for crushing food
- 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth) – used for grinding food
How Many Molars Do Kids Have?
During the baby stage, kids have 8 molars total: four on the top, four on the bottom. Flat teeth are at the back of the mouth, perfect for chewing soft foods.
As permanent teeth grow in, the number of molars increases. Adults have 12 miles, which include first, second, and third molars (our wisdom teeth).
Why Every Tooth Matters
Every tooth, whether baby or permanent, plays a unique role. Here’s how:
- Incisors: Your child uses these front teeth to bite into foods like apples and carrots.
- Canines (Cuspids): These pointy teeth help rip and tear foods like meat.
- Premolars: Located between canines and molars, premolars crush food and support face shape.
- Molars: Molars have flat surfaces perfect for grinding and chewing food thoroughly.
How Many Teeth Does a Child Have? FAQs
How many baby teeth do you lose?
Children lose all 20 baby teeth, typically between the ages of 6 and 13.
How many teeth do children have at age 8?
By age 8, most children should have around 16-20 teeth, depending on how many permanent teeth have emerged.
How many teeth do kids have vs. adults?
Kids have 20 baby teeth, adults usually have 32 permanent teeth.
Do children have 32 teeth?
Nope! Children only grow 20 baby teeth. 32 is the adult count.
Do all 32 teeth fall out?
Only the 20 baby teeth fall out. The remaining 12 adult molars, including wisdom teeth, will erupt independently and won’t replace any baby teeth. Many adults will experience issues with their wisdom teeth, however, and may have to have them removed.
Keep Their Smile Superpowered
Understanding the nuances behind the answer of how many teeth a child has is an excellent means to help you stay informed about what to expect during this stage of their dental development. From their first gummy, drool-laden grin to their first gap-toothed grin and beyond, knowing what’s normal can make all the difference in the future.
At The Super Dentists, our team knows when and how teeth should erupt, fall out, and be replaced. We aren’t just delighted by watching smiles grow—we adore actively helping them shine.
Ready to give your child the super-powered, extraordinary dental care they will love? Please schedule your visit with The Super Dentists today and harness the power of health and imagination.
