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Tooth Eruption and Delayed Eruption
Understand normal variation, first-tooth and permanent-tooth milestones, and when asymmetry or delay needs an X-ray.
Overview
Eruption timing varies between children, and sequence and symmetry are often more useful than a single age. Baby teeth commonly begin around six months and permanent first molars and incisors around six years, but healthy variation is wide. A missing tooth, obstruction, retained baby tooth, lack of space, trauma, or a medical condition can delay eruption.
Key takeaways
- ✓Compare left and right sides and the overall sequence.
- ✓The first permanent molar erupts behind baby teeth and does not replace one.
- ✓Do not cut the gum or use unprescribed remedies to make a tooth erupt.
- ✓A clinical exam and sometimes an X-ray are needed to locate an unerupted tooth.
What you can do
- 1Record when teeth appear and mention previous trauma or early loss of baby teeth.
- 2Brush a partly erupted molar carefully because its grooves retain plaque.
- 3Use a cool clean teething ring; avoid medicated gels unless advised.
- 4Arrange orthodontic review when eruption and space are abnormal.
When to book a dentist
- !One side erupts more than six months before its matching tooth.
- !A permanent tooth appears but the baby tooth remains, or eruption path is unusual.
- !No first tooth by about 18 months, or no signs of expected permanent eruption with other developmental concerns.
- !Pain, swelling, discharge, or a hard/soft lump overlies an unerupted tooth.