Kids' teeth grow in two main stages: first with deciduous teeth (also known as baby teeth) and later with permanent teeth.
The First Set: Deciduous Teeth
- The first set of teeth, known as deciduous or baby teeth, begins to appear during infancy.
- By the age of 3, most children have all 20 of their deciduous teeth.
- These baby teeth are important for chewing, speech development, and guiding the permanent teeth into their correct positions.
Transitioning to Permanent Teeth
- Around the ages of 6 and 7, the deciduous teeth start to loosen and fall out.
- This process is called exfoliation.
- As the baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth start to emerge and come through.
- This transition period continues until adolescence.
The Final Set: Permanent Teeth
- Permanent teeth are larger and stronger than baby teeth.
- By the time they reach about 21 years old, most people have 32 permanent teeth, including the wisdom teeth (third molars).
Summary of Dental Development
| Stage | Age Range | Number of Teeth | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deciduous Teeth | 0-3 years | 20 | Also called baby teeth; smaller, temporary teeth; help with chewing and speech |
| Transition Period | 6-12 years | Mixed | Baby teeth start to fall out; permanent teeth emerge; includes a mixed set of deciduous and permanent teeth. |
| Permanent Teeth | 12-21 years | 32 | Larger, stronger teeth that will remain throughout adulthood; include wisdom teeth, the third molars that typically emerge in late teens or early twenties. |
