Mixed Dentition / Eruption Guide
Permanent teeth start to erupt when children are about 6 years of age. Baby teeth will gradually wobble and fall out as your child grows and develops. All baby (deciduous) teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth before your child is 12 or 13 years old. This transition period is called the "Mixed Dentition Stage".
Below is the typical guide you can use to prepare for permanent teeth in your children:
- Central Incisor: 6 to 8 years
- Lateral Incisor: 6.5 to 9 years
- Canine: 8.5 to 12.5 years
- First Premolar: 8 to 12 years
- Second Premolar: 8.5 to 13 years
- First Molar: 5 to 7 years
- Second Molar: 10 to 14 years
- Third Molar (Wisdom tooth): 17 to 25 years
When children enter the tooth transition period, their baby teeth will loosen and will fall out. The permanent teeth will gradually erupt into the space left by the baby teeth. Should you help your child remove their teeth? This is something that can be discussed with Dr. Wilson. Each case is different and you should consult a professional with your child's personal case.
Altogether 32 permanent teeth come in. During this time Dr. Wilson may recommend seeing an orthodontic specialist to monitor the growth and alignment of the new teeth. This will help ensure problems are avoided down the road. It's also easier to correct teeth while they are fresh and new as opposed to when they've had time to deteriorate and wear down.
