The order, at a glance
| Order | Teeth | Rough age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central incisors (the two front teeth) | About 6 months |
| 2 | Lateral incisors (either side of the front teeth) | About 8 months |
| 3 | First molars (back teeth) | About 12 months |
| 4 | Canines (the pointed ones) | After the molars |
| 5 | Second molars (the back teeth furthest in) | All 20 by around two and a half |
The two front teeth come first, top or bottom. The back molars arrive before the pointed canines, which catches most parents out. By around two and a half, all 20 baby teeth are usually through. These rough ages are the ones most guidance quotes; the ranges above show how wide the spread is for each group.
Why the timing varies
- American Academy of Pediatrics4 to 7 months
- NHSAround 6 months
- American Dental Association6 to 12 months
Three trusted bodies give three different windows for the first tooth: 4 to 7 months from the American Academy of Pediatrics, around 6 months from the NHS, and 6 to 12 months from the American Dental Association. Some babies start before 4 months, some after 12, and a few are born with a tooth already showing. All of that is normal.
For the signs of teething, what helps, and when to call your GP or pediatrician, read When Do Infants Start Teething?
Sources
- When Does Teething Start? American Academy of Pediatrics. The 4 to 7 month window and the order teeth arrive in.
- Baby teething symptoms, NHS. Tooth order timings.
- Teething, MouthHealthy (American Dental Association). The 6 to 12 month window, and all 20 baby teeth being present under the gums at birth.
- Eruption Charts, MouthHealthy (American Dental Association). The age range for each baby tooth, top and bottom. Checked 17 September 2026.
We are not clinicians. This is general information, not medical advice, and it does not replace the person who knows your child.